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Royal Belt-Tightening Sees Palace Job Cuts

Royal Belt-Tightening Sees Palace Job Cuts

Buckingham Palace has admitted staff have been made redundant as part of a cost-cutting drive.

But a spokeswoman dismissed claims of low morale among those working for the Royal Household.

The Palace response follows reports that at least four senior officials had lost their jobs in recent months and that porters had had their overtime stopped.

Servants, including some with young children, were threatened with losing their homes after being made redundant, according to the Daily Mail.

One source is quoted as telling the newspaper that staff morale was at "rock-bottom - the worst I have ever known".

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman would not be drawn on the number of job cuts or if an overtime ban was in force.

She said: "As a public institution, scrutinised by Parliament, the Royal Household constantly reviews structures and staffing to ensure that it is run in the most effective and efficient way possible.

"In rare instances this can involve redundancies; those affected are routinely offered a severance package and support, including retraining.

"Internal surveys consistently show that employees are proud to work for the Royal Household and represent the Queen.

"Morale at Buckingham Palace continues to be high, with low staff turnover."