Fifteen redundancies are being sought at UJIA as the charity implements a £400,000 economy drive after a dramatic fall in donations.

UJIA's 86-strong workforce will be cut by up to 17 per cent. Four jobs have already gone in its Manchester operation, which has relocated from its long-time Mamlock House base.

Job cuts will be made across departments but a spokesman stressed that the redundancies would not impact on UJIA projects at home or in Israel. Six new positions may result from a review of activities.

UJIA's voluntary income plummeted to £11.7 million last year from £14.45 million in 2008.

Chief executive Douglas Krikler said: "The UK charity sector has seen a fall in voluntary income by nearly 15 per cent in the past year. The situation was "unlikely to improve dramatically" over the next 18 months.

"In order to ensure that the money we raise is used in the best way possible, UJIA has begun a process aimed at reviewing how funds are spent.

"UJIA has been commended on its governance and transparency with regards to the appropriate usage of donors' contributions. For this to continue, redundancies were, unfortunately, necessary."