China News Service, July 21. Comprehensive foreign media reported on the 20th that, affected by the new crown epidemic, the Tower of London guards are facing the first layoff crisis in more than 500 years. A statement issued by the Royal Palace Organization (HRP), which manages the Tower of London, stated that in order to save costs, some of the 37 Tower Guards will be unemployed.
Data map: On November 6, 2018 local time, in London, England, thousands of torches were lit around the Tower of London to greet the centennial of the armistice of the First World War and commemorate the fallen soldiers.
According to reports, this guard was established by Henry VII in 1485. Nowadays, their roles tend to be ceremonial, mainly including welcoming tourists and sharing historical knowledge. For thousands of tourists to London, the sightseeing tour seems incomplete without taking a photo with a guard of the Tower of London.
However, affected by the epidemic, the guards of the Tower of London are facing the first unemployment crisis in more than 500 years. An anonymous guard revealed that the troops have been serving the public for many years and guarding the Tower of London, but they were asked to lay off their staff during an uncertain period.
The chief executive of the Royal Palace Organization, John Barnes, said that under the financial blow caused by the global epidemic, “there is no choice but to cut wage costs”.
Barnes also said, "The Royal Palace Organization is a self-financing charity. 80% of our income comes from tourists." The closure of other attractions such as the Tower of London and Kensington Palace is essential for maintaining the operation of these attractions. The funding caused a "destructive blow."
Including at least two women, 37 guards from the Tower of London work here. For many guards, this is not just a job, but a way of life they are proud of and cherish. It is said that at least two Tower of London guards have voluntarily resigned.
The Tower of London is one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the UK. Approximately 3 million people visit this iconic building every year, most of them from overseas. Affected by the epidemic, the Tower of London was closed for nearly 4 months and reopened to the public on July 10.