A Sunderland announcement today confirmed they have followed in the footsteps of League One clubs such as Portsmouth, Coventry City, Doncaster Rovers and others in placing all staff on furlough leave. Today, all players and backroom staff have followed non-playing staff in being place on furlough leave via the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Eighty per cent of wages up to £2,500 will be covered by the government; however, Sunderland have pledged to top up the rest so that all staff are paid in full. The Black Cats have also confirmed that they will not ask players to take a wage reduction at the moment.
Sunderland Announcement: All Staff to be Placed on Furlough Leave
Sunderland Announcement
League One fixtures, like other leagues, have been postponed indefinitely due to the Coronavirus. It is unknown when the current campaign will recommence if indeed it does at all. It came as little surprise therefore that this decision has been made. Thankfully, for staff, the club will ensure they do not suffer a loss in wages.
The full statement from Sunderland AFC is as follows: “Sunderland AFC can today confirm that its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff have recently been placed on furlough leave due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last week, the FA, the Premier League and the EFL announced they would be collectively postponing their competitions until such time that it is safe for them to resume.
“At this moment in time, SAFC has no intention to ask any players or staff to take a wage reduction or deferral on their salary, and the club remains fully committed to ensuring all employees are paid in full.
“A small number of staff, including manager Phil Parkinson, continue to work from home, and the club’s priority remains the health and wellbeing of its players, staff, supporters and local community during this unprecedented period.”
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