A WORKER at Lulworth Estate today described being 'terrified' for the future after finding out they will be made redundant by the end of September.

The member of staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, has had their livelihood jeopardised as one of 24 people to be made redundant from the estate.

A total of 140 staff were furloughed at the start of lockdown, however as parts of the estate remain closed, more than 20 employees will be let go once the government funding scheme ends.

The decision comes as bosses revealed income had fallen by 90% due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The worker said: "Employees across all departments of the estate, including retail, marketing, accounts, visitors services and the ranger team have lost people.

"It is really sad. I've really enjoyed working there and it's such a good bunch of people. Lots of talented and capable people have lost their jobs and it is reflecting the national picture at the moment of people losing their jobs left, right and centre.

"I don't know what I'm doing next and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find work in these crazy times. As the date I will finish working gets close I am feeling more nervous. I'm hopeful that I will be able to find something but you can't take anything for granted at the moment.

"It is terrifying, but I'm going to have to deal with the future one way or another."

All of the employees that have been told they will be made redundant have had a meeting with estate owner James Weld where he expressed his condolences for letting them go.

Our anonymous source said: "The meeting with James was really personable and I'm glad they did that. I could tell that he was really disappointed to be letting us go."

Mr Weld's family have owned and managed the 12,000-acre estate since 1641. He said: "We will not be making anyone redundant before September unless they are able to secure another position, making a commitment to top up salaries and continue to contribute to our staff pensions at our full rate.

"This is an extremely sad day."