ALMOST half of England’s library staff have lost their jobs in recent years, according to new research.

Unison said staff numbers had fallen since 2010, leaving services stretched and communities without support after years of austerity.

Libraries in England employed 17,902 staff in 2010/11, but the number fell to 9,497 by 2024/25 — amounting to a loss of more than 8,000 full-time roles, according to the union’s research.

Public access to libraries also declined sharply in the same period, with opening hours being cut, according to Unison.

Unison’s head of local government Mike Short said: “It’s disappointing to see library staff are stretched to breaking point during the UK’s National Year of Reading.

“Jobs have been slashed and vital services lost due to more than a decade of local government austerity.

“Communities are missing out on the vital support libraries provide, while staff manage rising demand with fewer resources.

“The biggest impact has fallen on vulnerable residents, including children from low-income families who rely on libraries as safe places to learn and study.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) was contacted for comment.