Children’s charity to shut services for a week

Barnardos has confirmed it has decided to close its services for a week this month as a cost-saving measure — having taken a similar course of action last year.

The children’s charity said the measure, which begins this Monday, was being taken to protect core services and to reduce its funding shortfall.

In a statement, it said: “Barnardos can confirm that it will close its services for a week again this summer as a cost-saving measure. The temporary layoff is mandatory for all employees and no staff will be paid.”