Visually impaired workers ‘unfairly targeted’ as Guide Dogs for the Blind lays off staff

Bosses at Guide Dogs have apologised to blind and visually impaired staff amid claims they were left “upset and unsupported and confused” as a series of layoffs were announced.

The charity was accused of “rubbing salt in the wound” after revealing details of the sackings - including whose jobs were most at risk - on International Guide Dogs Day.

A Guide Dogs source said it believed about 40 of the 66 blind or visually impaired staff were told they were either “directly” or “indirectly impacted” by an anticipated 160 job losses or change in roles among its almost 2,000 employees.

The organisation is trying to “close a projected £20 million a year gap by 2026” and has set up a “change process” to cope with the anticipated drop in income.

‘Preventable errors’

But, the charity apologised to blind and visually impaired staff - described as “lived experience” employees - after some were left in tears amid claims the process was not explained clearly to them.

A letter sent to blind and visually impaired employees conceded the redundancy process had not been handled well and there had been “preventable errors in the way the process has been rolled out”.

It says: “The last week has been a difficult time for the whole of Guide Dogs, but we know that for some colleagues with a visual impairment, it has been even harder. For this, we are truly sorry and want to let you know what we are doing about it as a priority.”

The letter explained how “terrible timing” meant the initial email announcement coincided with Microsoft making changes to “assistive” technology and software used by blind people meaning they struggled to read documentation.

“We’re aware that, for some of you, there are many documents to navigate and it’s sometimes difficult to find what you need,” the letter says, directing staff “struggling” to HR colleagues for help.

‘Refresher’ course

It adds that HR staff would undergo a “refresher” course “about the additional considerations and adjustments that can be put in place for colleagues with both a vision impairment and protected characteristics.”

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Many of us were beside ourselves with stress and anxiety.

“The details being released on International Guide Dogs Day - April 24 - was bizarre and rubbed salt on the wounds.

“The communication process was appalling. Emails were sent without links and the promised packs. It became impossible to find out for blind and visually impaired what was going on.”

Peter Osborne, the deputy chief executive of Guide Dogs who himself is blind and has a guide dog, told the Telegraph: “I have tried to make sure we champion the cause of people with lived experience who work for us.

‘Extremely difficult climate’

“I can categorically say that 40 people with lived experience of sight will not lose their jobs.”

He added that new roles were being created for those who are blind or visually impaired at the charity, following an equality impact assessment regarding the redundancies.

Andrew Lennox, the chief executive, added that “like many charities” Guide Dogs is “operating in an extremely difficult climate with a high demand for our services.”

“Our fixed costs have increased considerably over the past few years and our fundraising income has plateaued due to the external economic challenges. “

“Reducing the wait for a guide dog will continue to be an organisational priority, along with increasing the number of partnerships we produce.

“Our change programme will enable us to increase our income, make cost savings and ensure we’re structured to be able to support and deliver exceptional outcomes for those living with sight loss for the next 90 years and beyond.”