RSPCA offers staff voluntary severance package after animal care costs soar

Although the charity has worked to put itself on a more sustainable footing in recent years, a number of unforeseen costs such as the hike in national insurance, high inflation, rising fuel costs and vet costs has put the charity under pressure at a time when donations are slowing across the sector.

Demand for its services has seen record numbers of animals suffering from cruelty and neglect in its care this summer, which has resulted in the charity having to spend millions of pounds on private boarding for animals because its own centres were full.

The decision has been taken to offer voluntary severance to staff before the end of the year to manage costs and attempt to avoid having to implement widespread compulsory redundancies.

RSPCA Interim CEO, Shān Nicholas, said: “Like many other charities, the RSPCA is exploring measures to tackle the challenge of balancing rising costs and a difficult fundraising environment to ensure we can continue to deliver our critical animal welfare services now and in the future.

“There have been a number of unforeseen external factors which have added pressures to many businesses and charities, such as the hike in national insurance which added £1.8m to our bill, high inflation and high energy costs. 

“In addition to this we have seen the number of animals in our care grow; we are now caring for double the amount of dogs since the pandemic, many of whom need longer, more complex rehabilitation. 

“Between 2020 and 2024, the annual cost of rescuing and caring for animals has gone up by £17m, due to rising energy prices, veterinary costs, and the increased need to pay for private boarding. Alongside this, the cost of living means it is a challenging fundraising climate for all charities. 

“So we have taken the decision to offer our staff a voluntary severance package, so we can try to manage our costs in a compassionate and proactive way. We want to act now to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies.”

The scheme is being offered to all permanent staff except executive directors and decisions will be made by the end of the year.