Thanks so much both of you for responding.

I had wondered the same, if they were building a case against him. I am tempted to ask my manager what is happening, but concerned that I may be opening a can of worms. Not sure if I trust this manager yet either.

I do think the impending cuts are way above my manager, and also agree I should try to put it out of my mind. Maybe I do need to start looking around for other jobs though, just in case. The hours at this one really suit me and my other commitments however so I am reluctant to leave until I have to.

Thanks so much for the sympathy hvert, yes it is awful timing to announce these things just as we are dealing with the higher workload, not good for morale at all. Talk about Scrooge.