British Council faces more job cuts to help pay off £197m loan
The British Council is facing significant financial strain due to a £197m Covid-era loan, leading to plans for further job cuts and the closure of operations in 11 countries. The agency is not expected to return to profitability until the 2029-30 fiscal year.
Why it matters
The potential collapse or downsizing of the British Council threatens the UK's soft-power influence and cultural diplomacy efforts globally.
The British Council has cut 2,110 jobs since 2021 but remains loss-making. Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images View image in fullscreen The British Council has cut 2,110 jobs since 2021 but remains loss-making. Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office British Council faces more job cuts to help pay off £197m loan National Audit Office says agency proposes closing operations in 11 countries as part of turnaround plan
The report relies on data from the National Audit Office and presents financial facts regarding the agency's debt and restructuring plans.
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