Severe pruning at one of Britain's most prestigious museums has been proposed as part of a £5m cost-cutting exercise.

Almost 15 per cent of London's British Museum's workforce - 150 people - are to be let go. Cost-cutting measures in nearly every area of the museum's activities are to be implemented, including cuts in support services such as information systems, operations and marketing.

Christopher Jones, accounting officer, said: 'Although we have made good progress in improving income generation and efficiency of operations over a number of years, we have, like other museums and galleries, found that this has not been enough to deal with the increased costs of greater public access, the downturn in the London tourist market and particularly the challenges of a government grant which has reduced in real value.'

Longer-term plans for a more efficient structure include a new control centre and CCTV. Staff will be relocated from Burlington Gardens and some perimeter properties by 2004. Details: +44 (0)207 636 1555.