After objections from their supporters, Tottenham have announced that they have reversed their decision to furlough non-playing staff.
Tottenham Reverse Decision to Furlough Staff
Pressure Lead to Decision
The north London club came under scrutiny following the announcement that they would place all non-playing staff on the furlough scheme. The initiative means that the government pay 80% of wages up to £2,500.
Several clubs in the EFL have used the scheme to place all staff – including players – on the scheme. However, only two Premier League clubs, Newcastle United and Norwich City, have used the scheme.
Liverpool announced that they intended to use the scheme, although intense scrutiny also lead to them reversing their decision. Tottenham are now joining the Reds in reversing the decision.
A statement on the official club website read: “We are acutely aware that many supporters were against the decision we made regarding furloughing staff who could not carry out their jobs from home – due to the nature of their work – and our intention to apply, if applicable, for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), a scheme designed to ensure that jobs and employment rights are protected.
“Indeed we have seen opposition from fans to fellow Premier League clubs accessing the CJRS too. This once again underlines that we bear different pressures to other businesses, many of whom have and will continue to apply for support from the scheme as the Government intended.
“In view of supporter sentiment regarding the scheme, it is now not our intention to make use of the current CJRS that runs until the end of May. We shall consult with stakeholders, including the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust with whom we have been in dialogue over the past week and who share our desire to protect jobs, should circumstances change going forward.”
Apologies From the Tottenham Chairman
Daniel Levy, Tottenham chairman, said: “The criticism the Club has received over the last week has been felt all the more keenly because of our track record of good works and our huge sense of responsibility to care for those that rely on us, particularly locally.
“It was never our intent, as custodians, to do anything other than put measures in place to protect jobs whilst the Club sought to continue to operate in a self-sufficient manner during uncertain times.
“We regret any concern caused during an anxious time and hope the work our supporters will see us doing in the coming weeks, as our stadium takes on a whole new purpose, will make them proud of their Club.”
Stadium Now Helping the NHS
To help battle against the coronavirus, the Tottenham Hotspur stadium is operating as a testing centre for NHS staff.
Furthermore, some facilities from the North Middlesex Hospital are also operating at the stadium, such as the Women’s outpatient service.
Main Photo
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