Six royal forestry workers have been given the chop after years working on the Queen’s estate.
Four foresters, one office worker and a gardener have been axed at Windsor. The land is managed by the Crown Estate, which reported a £269million profit last year.
Forester Sean Rogers says he faces being made homeless after losing his work accommodation at Windsor Great Park, where he has lived for 12 years.
Sean, who fears the stress brought on a suspected mini-stroke last month, was among staff given their notice in 2021 – but allowed to stay in their lodgings for a year. He and wife Karen, 55, handed the keys in on Friday.
Sean, 54, who has been offered a temporary council abode, said: “For five years Windsor has run at a deficit. We have been told it has to become profit-making.
“There’s 6,000 to 7,000 acres of forests that need managing and now they are going to do it with contractors. I am gutted.” Sean earned £25,000 for the role, with 21.5% taken at source for rent. He got a payout after being given notice.
In a letter to staff, the Crown Estate said the move would “ensure we are operating efficiently”.
Sean said he wrote to the Queen and other royals about the job cuts, but had no response.
He added: “It is disappointing nobody got back to us.” The Crown Estate said it is an independent business and the royals are not involved in decisions.
It added: “As custodians, we’re continually looking at the mix of skills we need to preserve and enhance the landscape at Windsor.
“We made a small number of redundancies, as well as creating many new roles. Members had the opportunity to apply for alternative roles and were offered extensive support with housing and training.”
