Coronavirus: British Council future in jeopardy due to severe impact of pandemic on finances, major union warns

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A major union has warned the British Council’s future is in jeopardy without emergency government funding, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a severe impact on the organisation’s financial stability. Despite a recent £26m injection from the Foreign Office, the Public and Commercial Services union, which represents members at the organisation, told The Independent that the British Council’s funding gap “still remains at £40m per month, which will last for at least four months” until operations re-open. “The impact of Covid-19 on the British Council’s operations and funding is considerable, with the large majority of its English teaching and examinations centres worldwide currently closed,” Mr Adams said. Mr Adams said: “My officials will continue to work closely with the British Council in the coming days and weeks to address the impact of Covid-19 on their operations, and to ensure that the organisation is well place to continue to deliver its crucial work in a changing world.” A spokesperson for the British Council added: “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on our finances.