“Skip presents this year”, low-paid Library staff told.

While its staff strike over low pay, the British Library has suggested they think about avoiding Christmas presents.

Last week, staff were sent an internal newsletter which promotes being “in extremely good health and spirits”. As part of its concern to maximise Christmas joy, the newsletter’s author acknowledges the extremely low wages of some staff and helpfully suggests:

“Consider having a conversation with loved ones about the cost-of-living crisis and propose that you mutually skip presents this year.”

Nearly 350 British Library staff, members of Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) began a second wave of strikes this week over a sub-inflation pay offer that was below the recommended public service improvement level.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said:

By meeting our members’ simple and fair demands, leadership at British Library can restore trust from its staff and send a clear message to government about the need to properly fund the UK’s vibrant but imperilled culture sector.

We call on managers to rally and protect the institution they believe in. They must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of its staff. And they must focus budgets accordingly – on the poorest paid who are least rewarded.