Southwell Minster to consider redundancies

Southwell Minster is in the process of consulting with staff about the proposals

A cathedral is consulting on proposed changes to its staffing structure as it seeks to address a "significant budget deficit".

Southwell Minster said if implemented, the proposals could result in redundancy for a small number of cathedral staff.

The plans include running weekday morning prayer without verger support and the cathedral opening to visitors later in the morning when volunteers would be on duty.

The consultation process will be open until 29 April, with outcome expected in early May.

A spokesperson for the Minster said: "The context for considering changes is the cathedral's significant ongoing financial operating deficit, which it cannot sustain in the long-term.

"Whilst it undertakes a number of activities to generate funds – notably an active programme of concerts and events – these haven't been enough to fully support the costs of delivering the cathedral's Christian mission and the upkeep of the historic buildings in its care."