Source: AUN newsThe latest report highlights the challenges of living and inflation that many people face today.

LONDON, UK – As the cost of living crisis deepens in the UK, the Museums Association (MA) has issued a critical call for government intervention. The association, representing thousands of museum workers across the country, is urging the UK government to implement a new “pay settlement” to match the nation’s soaring inflation rates. With inflation reaching 9.4%, the MA contends that museum workers are facing significant financial strain as real wages fall behind the rising costs.

The Impact of Inflation on Museum Workers

In its latest plea, the MA highlights how the living and inflation crisis is having a disproportionate impact on museum employees. Incomes for many in the sector are failing to keep up with inflation, creating what the MA describes as “serious problems” for one of the UK’s most influential cultural institutions.

A 2017 MA report had already raised concerns about compensation stagnation, and the situation has worsened in recent years. Despite the essential role that museums play in preserving culture and educating the public, many of their employees face financial instability, exacerbated by inflation-driven price hikes.

The MA calls for urgent action from funding bodies and museum directors to establish “significant wage offers [for] museum employees this financial year.” Without this intervention, the MA warns that the sector risks losing its skilled workforce, further jeopardizing the health of the UK’s cultural landscape.

Falling Museum Attendance Post-Covid

In addition to wage stagnation, museums are grappling with declining visitor numbers. Attendance at UK museums has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels, with the cost of living crisis now replacing pandemic concerns as the main deterrent.

Recent findings from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) indicate that financial strain has become a critical factor affecting public willingness to attend cultural events. The MA notes that despite museums’ efforts to create engaging, accessible exhibitions, the ongoing economic challenges faced by many Britons are resulting in fewer visitors. This decline directly impacts museum revenue, putting further financial strain on already struggling institutions.

Museums as Community Hubs Amid Energy Crisis

With energy prices set to surge this winter, UK museums face an additional challenge: ballooning overhead costs. Many museums operate out of heritage buildings, which are notoriously expensive to maintain and heat. As temperatures drop, the cost of running these energy-intensive spaces will rise significantly.

The MA anticipates that some museums may be forced to cut back on operating hours, reduce staff, or, in extreme cases, close their doors. The association has called on local and national governments to provide financial relief to help museums manage these rising costs.

Interestingly, the MA also points to a potential silver lining: as energy costs make heating homes unaffordable for many, museums may serve as informal warming spaces for the public. This role as a community hub would be a continuation of the important social services that museums have provided throughout their history, especially during times of crisis. However, the MA cautions that without government support, museums may struggle to fulfill this role, placing further strain on vulnerable populations.

A Call to Make Tax Relief Permanent

To ease the financial burden on museums, the MA is pushing for the permanent extension of the Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief (MGETR) scheme. Introduced in 2017, this program has provided vital funding for new exhibitions and helped many institutions navigate the financial challenges of recent years.

Modelled after the successful Film Tax Relief program, MGETR has bolstered the creative industries by offering tax relief on production costs. The MA argues that making this scheme permanent would provide much-needed financial security for museums, allowing them to continue developing new exhibitions and maintaining their cultural contributions despite the challenges posed by inflation and economic instability.

The Museums Association’s Legacy and Influence

Founded in 1889, the Museums Association is the world’s oldest museum advocacy group. With approximately 8,000 individual members, 580 institutional members, and 250 corporate members, the MA plays a critical role in shaping cultural policy in the UK. Its efforts to secure better wages, stabilize museum funding, and make tax relief programs permanent are all part of a broader mission to protect and promote the nation’s cultural heritage.

As the living and inflation crisis continues to unfold, the future of the UK’s museums—and the people who work within them—remains uncertain. The MA’s call for immediate action is not just about preserving institutions but ensuring that museums can continue to serve as places of education, inspiration, and refuge for generations to come.

Urgent Need for Government Intervention

The Museums Association’s call for a pay settlement that addresses rising living and inflation costs underscores the precarious position of the UK’s cultural sector. The rising cost of living has placed significant financial pressure on museum employees, while inflation has compounded operational challenges for museums themselves. As these institutions continue to serve as vital community spaces, government support is more crucial than ever.

Without immediate financial intervention, the UK risks losing an integral part of its cultural heritage, and the individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving it may find themselves pushed out by economic pressures. The living and inflation crisis presents a formidable challenge, but with the right investments, museums can continue to thrive and serve as beacons of culture and resilience during uncertain times.