Apology for museum staff who learnt of jobs threat on social media

Leeds City Council’s lead member for culture has apologised to staff at Abbey House Museum after it emerged that some of them discovered the museum was at risk of closure via social media.

The council has launched a public consultation over proposals to close the museum as part of cost-saving measures.

When asked at a full council meeting this week why some museum staff learnt of the possible closure and risk to their jobs on Facebook instead of an official announcement, Salma Arif, executive member for culture, said, “Staff should not have been put in this position.

“I am extremely sorry to those staff members who only found out belatedly about the potential closure,” she said.

“This proposal has not been taken lightly. Can I also stress that no final decision has been made.”