RNIB has completed its merger with Action for Blind People, putting “a number of” jobs at risk.
In February, trade union Unite warned 200 jobs could be affected by the merger through “redeployment and non-replacement”.
While ABP has been operating as a subsidiary of RNIB since 2009, it has been working towards closer working for some time and on Saturday a full merger was announced.
A statement on RNIB’s website reads: “This allows us to help more blind and partially sighted people by combining our services, knowledge and expertise within one charity.
“Action’s vital work will continue through RNIB. Becoming a single charity allows us to help even more blind and partially sighted people face the future with confidence.”
'Conversations about jobs ongoing'
When asked about the potential impact on jobs, an RNIB spokesperson said “conversations were ongoing”.
"Following a consultation there are a number of jobs at risk and we're taking steps to minimise the number of redundancies, including a programme of voluntary redundancy,” they said.
"We will have more clarity about the future when the consultation outcomes are known, and staff identified as being at risk will be assessed for roles in the new structure."
The outcome of the consultation is expected imminently.
This follows 438 employees of ABP being transferred to RNIB in 2015 including every member of staff in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as a small number of employees working in England.
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