Fears of Job Losses and Fewer Operas at Crisis-Hit ENO

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MANY STAFF at the crisis-hit English National Opera fear that they will lose their jobs as part of a radical plan that would see the company close for 16 months and go part-time when it reopens.

With the opera still reeling from the shock departure of Nicholas Payne, the general director, speculation is mounting that managers are planning dramatic changes.

The ENO is due to close for seven months from June next year to January of the following year for the major part of a pounds 41m restoration, which has been scheduled for completion by early 2004.

But the trade union Bectu, which represents technical staff at the ENO's home at the London Coliseum, said …