The unsung heroes who tend the graves of soldiers killed during both World Wars have told of their outrage at having their pay cut by half.
Bosses at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have been branded “cowards” for making the cost-cutting measures and using Brexit as an excuse.
The gardeners, stonemasons and staff look after cemeteries across France and Belgium, including those on the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele, Normandy and Dunkirk.
Now the team of 30 have been told – by email – they must return to the UK or face huge pay cuts.
One 61-year-old gardener, who asked not to be identified, has spent 35 years working for the Commission across Europe.
He said: “It’s shocking and it has been handled so badly. It’s just so unfair. We have all devoted our lives to looking after the graves of the brave soldiers who died and this is how we are being repaid.
“There has been no consultation – an email arrived one morning which gave us three weeks to make a decision. I feel so down.
"We either have to return to Britain, where many of us haven’t lived for years, or take these terms which basically means our pay is halved.”
Military historian and battlefield guide Jeremy Banning said he is disgusted by the treatment of staff.
He added: “It beggars belief they are being rushed into making such a massive financial decision without adequate explanation or negotiation. Hiding behind Brexit is cowardly.”
If staff choose not to be repatriated, they will move to “local” contracts based on standards in France and Belgium, with changes to taxation and pensions.
A Public and Commercial Services Union spokesman said: “The anger is palpable.”
The Commission confirmed that the 30 employees are on “UK contracts” that need to be changed from January 1.
Director General Barry Murphy said: “We believe that the new arrangements will properly align this group with our existing staff in France and Belgium.”
