Cost cutting has reached the arts world with Belfast's iconic Grand Opera House now having to look at cost savings.

The Opera House Trust that manages the Victorian theatre in central Belfast has approved plans for a staff reorganisation following recommendations from its own executive team.

Consultation with the broadcast and arts trade union BECTU opened on in mid July following a statement from the Opera House that said that the aim was to "produce a more effective and efficient staff structure" - in other words, cut-backs.

Pat Styles, BECTU National Official, will be supporting branch officials during the consultation process with further meetings already scheduled for 3 and 4 August.

The management has invited staff to volunteer for redundancy and a commitment has been made to endeavour to redeploy as many employees as possible.

Commenting on the reorganisation, Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive, said: "I fully appreciate how unsettling this process is and staff have our assurances that we will consult and support them at all stages.

"The aim of this restructure is to produce an effective and efficient staff structure that will ensure our organisation remains sustainable and is fit for purpose."

(BMcC/GK)