
We’re living in unprecedented times. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, our social interactions, our work and our health.
And it’s having a huge impact on businesses and charities, including Cancer Research UK and the people affected with cancer we support.
A few weeks ago, we announced a likely drop of 20-25% in our fundraising income over the coming financial year.
And because of this decline in income, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cut our research spend.
We’re aware this decision will raise a lot of questions for our supporters, those affected by cancer and our research community, the most common of which we’ve answered in this blog post.
Why is Cancer Research UK cutting research funding?
The COVID-19 global pandemic is causing huge financial strain on charities across the world. And Cancer Research UK is no exception – we’re projecting a 20-25% drop in income this financial year. As this means there’ll be less money available to fund research, we’re having to cut our research spend.
As a research charity which funds almost half of the UK’s cancer research, it’s not a decision we made lightly.
We’re working to mitigate the effects of these cuts as much as possible. But we know that by taking action now, we can protect that charity and ensure that our vital life-saving cancer research will continue long after this pandemic.
What research funding has Cancer Research UK cut?
We’ve made cuts to:
- Our centres and wider infrastructure – funding cut by up to 20%
- Our institutes – funding cut by 5-10%
- Our general funding – funding cut by 5-10%
Altogether, this works out at approximately a £44 million cut to research funding.
We’ve also postponed our funding committees (the scientists and doctors who help us decide what research should be funded) until later this year. This means that no new research projects will be funded for at least the first 6 months of this financial year.
While we acknowledge these cuts are hard, we’re trying to be as flexible as possible with them. We’re letting our centres and institutes decide the best way to spend their reduced pool of money and protect what’s most important for them to deliver their research. And we’re offering all scientists who have a Cancer Research UK grant the same flexibility.
All of these measures have been met with understanding and support from the research community.
We’re also protecting funding for both clinical and non-clinical studentships as best we can, to avoid losing an entire generation of cancer researchers. Taking this approach means that we can continue our mission to beat cancer for decades to come.
What impact will these cuts have on progress in beating cancer?
There’s no two ways about it – the cuts we’re making to our research funding are substantial and will certainly have a negative impact on cancer research in the UK and around the world. However, the extent of this impact will be difficult to quantify both now and in the future.
We’re working hard to minimise the negative impact these cuts may have on progress in beating cancer. Because despite all that’s going on, we’re still committed to beating cancer through our world leading research.
Why are we cutting funding instead of dipping into our reserves?
Like any organisation, we have reserves, which allow us to manage financial risk and short-term instability or loss in income.
Our reserve policy requires us to have enough investments and managed cash to cover a minimum of 3 months’ work. It’s there to be used as a temporary, short-term measure to allow us to keep the organisation running. But it’s not sustainable to keep the organisation running solely on our reserves, as it’s a finite pool of money that cannot get to ‘zero’.
As we have no idea how long this global pandemic will last for, we had to look at a more sustainable way to reduce our spending.
We are going to dip into our reserves to keep the organisation going in the short-term, but we’ve also had to make the difficult decision to cut some of our funding, to make sure we don’t fully deplete our reserves, and to ensure is we’re still standing when this global pandemic over.
What are the Government doing to support Cancer Research UK and its work during this time?
The £750 million package announced by the Government on 9th April was a significant first step in supporting the charity sector more broadly. It includes a £360 million central fund to support charities providing essential services.
But right now, it’s not clear whether Cancer Research UK will be able to access this fund to support our work, such as setting up a testing centre at our research institutes or providing much needed information to cancer patients. We’re seeking urgent clarification from the Government on this, as our press release explains.
Some of the clinical research staff we fund are also choosing to go back to work in the NHS full time during this global pandemic, which we fully support. For those staff who have gone back to work in the NHS, we expect their salaries for this period to be covered by the NHS.
We’re also making every effort to save money by using the Government’s job retention scheme where appropriate and freezing all recruitment. With the temporary closure of our 600 high-street shops across the UK, we’ve already furloughed many of our trading staff, and we’re open to placing more staff on the scheme where appropriate.
For our staff who aren’t accessing support from the Government’s job retention scheme, we’re consulting on a move to 80% hours and pay from May, while our executive board has already taken a 20% pay cut.
How is Cancer Research UK supporting cancer patients right now?
In this difficult, unsettling time, we’re working to provide people affected by cancer with the support and information they need.
Our nurses’ helpline, Cancer Chat forum, information pages and coronavirus blog post are keeping abreast of the COVID-19 guidance from Public Health England, National Health Service England and the devolved bodies.
We’re in close communication with the NHS to ensure that urgent cancer care can continue, and that trusts are following NHS guidance on how to support cancer patients during this global pandemic.
Working collaboratively with other cancer charities, we’re also monitoring the impact the pandemic is having on cancer services and patients across the UK, and collating information on where novel approached to treatment are being adopted. And working to maintain a singular voice so that people affected by cancer have clear, consistent information.
Will any cancer research continue during this time?
Because of social distancing guidelines, universities have partially closed. This means that labs have also had to wind down their activities, meaning experiments and bench research into cancer has stopped.
But this doesn’t mean there’s no cancer research happening. Many of our researchers are continuing to work very productively from home.
They’re analysing their data and writing it up for publication, reading the literature to spark new ideas of how to beat cancer and writing research funding grants for these new ideas, pulling together collaborations with other researchers. All so that when ‘normality’ resumes, they can hit the ground running and be prepared to once again tackle the complex group of diseases that is cancer.
And while no new clinical trials are being set-up and recruitment to existing trials has paused, established trials are still running and people with cancer who are on them are being cared for appropriately.
What role are Cancer Research UK-funded scientists playing in the response to COVID-19?
Across the UK, Cancer Research UK-funded researchers are doing their part to help with this global pandemic.
The majority of our clinical scientists and research nurses have been called back to work in hospitals around the country, something we wholeheartedly support.
And some of our researchers are using their expertise to create COVID-19 testing hubs. For example, in just 2 weeks, our chief clinician Professor Charlie Swanton worked to establish a new testing centre at the Crick for NHS staff.
Those with specialist skills, like Dr Alan Parker in Cardiff are applying them to beating this global pandemic. A world-leading expert in viruses, Parker’s lab has spent years looking at how they could potentially be modified to act as cancer treatments. Now, having been granted essential worker status and adhering to social distancing guidelines, he’s using his labs skills, resources and knowledge to try and find a vaccine against COVID-19.
Other Cancer Research UK-funded scientists are playing their part by helping to set up trials for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, while many labs are donating resources – from equipment to chemical reagents – to the fight against COVID-19.
Why are you funding work into COVID-19 when cancer patients need your help?
For over 100 years, we’ve invested in biomedical research to achieve our mission of bringing forward the day when all cancers are cured. In doing so, we’ve developed and supported some of the brightest scientific minds in the world.
But right now, there’s an obstacle in the way of this mission – COVID-19. And in order to get back to the business of beating cancer, we must first beat the coronavirus. That’s why we’re playing our part in this global crisis by supporting our doctors who have gone back to the NHS frontline; our researchers who are using their skills to research this virus; and by making our infrastructure across the UK available to those who need it.
Read more: Today our researchers are helping to beat COVID-19 so that ‘tomorrow’ we can get back to beating cancer.
Funding world-leading cancer research and ensuring that people with cancer get the support they need remains our number one priority. But these unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, measures we’re willing to take in order to ensure that long after COVID-19 has gone, Cancer Research UK remains.
Áine
Comments
Patricia Nichols April 23, 2020
Sounds like you have had to make some difficult decisions but I am sure everyone agrees that you have made the correct ones. Good luck in everything you do.
Kath Walker April 22, 2020
I’m disappointed to hear this and am unable to continue to support the charity at this time.
Yvonne Lonsdale April 22, 2020
I support your decisions in how you use the income yet still support the needs of those who currently rely on your results in cancer research. I am retired so can only give the same monthly amount but will send a one off to help your research re COVI-19.
Debbie Kirton April 22, 2020
I am fortunate in that my chemo finished on 11th March and my radiotherapy continued for 3 weeks, ending last Friday. I think it is grand that you are redirecting much of your research to. Covid, as if folk with compromised immunities like many of us, catch this horrific disease, the cancer treatment we have all had will be for nothing. Fighting this virus has to be top of everyone’s agenda, so I understand your decision and will continue with my subscription. Let’s hope we beat this pandemic ASAP and you guys can get back to your primary aims. All the best to you all. X
Ken Treadgold April 22, 2020
I fully support the hard decisions you have needed to make. I will continue my support for yourselves. I am afraid that I cannot commit to increasing my regular contribution, but will make one-off donations as and when I can afford to do so. I have already made one.
Please ensure you and your staff all stay safe, the work you do is too important to fall by the wayside due to the current awful situation of the covid-19 crisis.
Susan Banner April 22, 2020
Sorry but I am withdrawing my support for the time being
We are all aware of the dire consequences of covid19 I am not sure cancer research should just stop
People have had cancer treatment stopped at addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge
Sorry but I find that unacceptable
As my partner and myself have willed our money to cancer research and breast cancer U.K.
For the time being our wills have been changed to remover this
Catherine Andrews. April 22, 2020
I absolutely support the terribly difficult decisions you have to make. My sister died of cancer at the age of 55 last November and I desperately want the research to continue. But I also accept that the world is facing a tragedy of epic proportions. Nothing is normal any more, we all must make changes. It’s outrageous that this research, and other charities like hospices should have to rely so much on donations through lack of government funding but the fact is they do, and I will do whatever I can to support them and you for as long as I am able.
As someone else has suggested, I will be increasing my donation to you. I’m not rich, I’m a pensioner, but if I have to sacrifice some daily luxuries then I will.
Malcolm Karpeta April 22, 2020
“Our reserve policy requires us to have enough investments and managed cash to cover a minimum of 3 months’ work. It’s there to be used as a temporary, short-term measure to allow us to keep the organisation running”
What exactly do you consider to be “..temporary, short term measures”?
A couple of examples perhaps?
Ann Morford April 22, 2020
I shall continue my support. You are doing what you think is right in this worrying time and no-one should condem that decision. I think you are right in what you are and have always done. The NHS need everyones help and support. Keep safe all of you
Susannah Goodridge April 22, 2020
I asked the other day what the salaries currently are of your executive members would like an answer please – don’t believe a 20%wage cut is enough – this is public money. Also what are you paying your employees on less pay? Don’t feel cancer research should put money into Covid-research when there are people dying of cancer out there lots of them – some cannot be admitted for treatment. My partner has bowel cancer fortunately know completed chemotherapy, but unable to have his bag reversal or further tests currently. It would be more appropriate to give a donation to Marie Curie or |Macmillan who are supporting cancer patients in the community.
Megan Sammons April 22, 2020
Captain Tom Moore, (bless his heart) has just raised £25 million . If some of this money cannot be shared with Cancer Research, I reckon his valiant efforts have been raised in vain.
Robert April 22, 2020
I shall be cancelling my monthly donation and give it straight to the NHS
Alistair casserly April 22, 2020
I Shall cancel my subscription and give it straight to the NHS
Donna Sheringham April 22, 2020
Hi, yes I support all of these steps the charity is taking and hope like everyone else we can get back to normal ASAP. Although ideally the pay cuts should be lower I appreciate that everyone is having to pay their bills. This is an unprecedented crisis and I feel you are responding as best you can. I shall be continuing my support.
J. Hanna April 22, 2020
It is a very sad read but I understand that we are in unknown and very difficult territory here and now. I realise that you have been faced with some very difficult choices but trust that all decisions taken are in the best interests of your patients and staff. I will continue to support while I am able but am also very aware that this current situation paints a very uncertain picture for us all going forward. I hope and pray that your good work may get back on track in the very near future.
Anita Everett April 21, 2020
I think it is a very good idea as to what you are doing. I understand that the Coronavirus needs to be stopped. I fully support how you are helping Covid 19 and still managing to do some testing for cancer. Thank You so much for all the work you are doing
chris woodward April 21, 2020
Not at all happy about your organisation funding doctors to work on covid. You should only use our donations for cancer research as the charity is for. I will stop my donations until the covid is sorted.
Sam April 21, 2020
A little confused with the logic helping with the COVID -19 research when 450 people a day die from cancer every day in the U.K. 2015-2017 stats. This is the data on your own website!
Chris Taylor April 21, 2020
By all means support research to beat coronavirus, however I think you should be making very strong representation to NHS/ Government to ensure existing cancer patients can get the treatment they need, Thousands of us are being told that we cannot be seen cannot be scanned, cannot get established treatments that are proved to save lives. For all intents an purposes we have been thrown under the Covid bus.
When this is over there will still be 900 or so a day diagnosed with cancer, and at this rate the death rate will escalate to well over 450 a day. It is time some proper perspective was applied to ring fence hospitals so that cancer treatment can continue in a safe environment.
Veronica Franklin April 21, 2020
I’m very sorry to hear this. I understand that some of your researchers may wish to support the NHS directly by transferring to more front line work and I applaud this. What I find difficult to understand is why your executive directors are only taking a 20% paycut. Presumably they are not meeting and presumably their work too has dried up. I feel very uncomfortable about this.
quentin barrett April 21, 2020
i think that it is disgusting that the people at the top only take a 205 pay cut while the ones doing the work and the ones suffering with cancer now and in the future are having to make much bigger sacrifices. Because of this I shall be stopping my donation. I am not giving to the rich while they keep their jobs and 805 of valuable money and others less fortunate are left to suffer . I would like you to canvel my direct debit forthwith.
Michael Trunks April 21, 2020
Under these circumstances as a long time supporter of cancer research I respectfully ask other supporters over this terrible time if possible increase your donations if only for a short time to help this charity do it’s most important work.
I will myself increase my monthly donation by 50 % and pray the good people of this country follow my lead.
This important work must still continue!
Maureen lambert April 21, 2020
Money should be taken the 200million tha charity has should be spent. All these big charities should be run by the public no executive should have a say .
Joyce Devaney April 21, 2020
Totally understand and support the decision that has been made. Thank you so much for the very clear and detailed information
Margaret Ellis April 23, 2020
A factual, objective report giving a clear insight into the whys and wherefores of changes being made. Your work is much appreciated. Thank you