THE RNLI is the latest organisation to spell out what is increasingly apparent to everyone. We are living in tough times. And they appear to be getting tougher.
The Poole-based charity has announced redundancies at its HQ. Admittedly, it is a small number. Seventeen staff will be lost out of a workforce of some 600, though the charity says it cannot rule out more posts going.
Along with many other charitable organisations (some of which we have highlighted in this newspaper in recent weeks and months), the RNLI is finding it harder and harder to raise money for lifesaving. It has embarked on an efficiency plan to look at how cash is spent.
Other charities also say they are feeling the squeeze.
The charitable sector is a vital lifeline for many in the community, particularly as local authorities make big cuts.
We turn our backs on it at our peril.
