Manchester United will not furlough staff with employees to receive full pay during coronavirus crisis

United will not adopt the scheme being used by Liverpool and Tottenham.
PA

Manchester United staff have been assured they will continue to receive full pay during the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 900 full time employees received an email from Ed Woodward on Monday, confirming no one would be placed on furlough as a result of Covid-19.

United are also extending goodwill payments to non-matchday casual workers until June 1, while encouraging staff unable to work to volunteer to the NHS or local communities.

Standard Sport revealed on Sunday that United would not be following the widely-condemned decisions by Liverpool and Tottenham to take advantage of the government’s job retention scheme.And that message has now been relayed to staff.

Woodward wrote to staff to offer reassurances during the pandemic
PA

Executive vice chairman, Woodward’s email stated United:

  • Will not be making use of the Government furlough scheme for the duration of the scheme. 
  • Staff have been assured of flexibility to fit work around care responsibilities for family and friends during the lockdown and will continue to receive full pay. 
  • Employees who are unable to work from home or currently have reduced workload, we are strongly encouraging them to volunteer time to the NHS or their local communities. 

United have been proactive in trying to ease the financial worries of supporters and staff since the outbreak.

Their announcement comes as Liverpool were forced to make a U-turn after they were heavily criticised over plans to take advantage of the government bailout.

The Premier League champions-elect are one of the richest clubs in the world and announced a pre-tax profit of £42m in February.

Their own fans and former players were among those to hit out, with Jamie Carragher claiming “respect and goodwill is lost,” while Stan Collymore insisted supporters would be “disgusted”. The Merseyside club announced on Monday evening that they no longer planned to make use of the scheme.

Carragher led the criticism of Liverpool's proposed use of the furlough scheme
Getty Images

By contrast United were quick to reimburse fans in the region of £245,000 when their Europa League tie with LASK was ordered to be played behind closed doors at a late stage last month.

Casual staff were then assured a combined pay out of around £1million if this season’s remaining home fixtures are cancelled or played in front of empty stadiums.

And supporters have also been offered pro rata refunds or rebates on season tickets if those measures are implemented.

United’s commercial strength is also a reason why they are under little pressure to follow the lead set by European giants Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus by asking players to take wage cuts.

It’s understood United are also are considering ways to further support around 3000 match day casual workers.

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