‘I understand’ – BBC journalist claims Leeds have made key staff decision, will upset some fans
Leeds United are set to furlough some matchday staff despite the players agreeing to a wage deferral almost two weeks ago.
BBC journalist Adam Pope made the claim on his personal Twitter account after the 18/19 accounts were released by the club.
He said, “I understand that some matchday staff, as of last night, have been furloughed which means they will have 80% of their earnings paid under the govt scheme with club topping up the other 20% for the games yet to be played during the period of suspension due to coronavirus.”
Pope added, “Remember the players had already agreed to defer their salaries to help the club & its staff through this period. Club trying to navigate financially through the pandemic via these methods & money from PL & EFL so it’s not relying on taxpayers’ money.”
Troubling times
We’re not going to rush into any judgement about this although it does seem odd that it’s come at the same time as the accounts getting released.
They show Leeds making a huge loss in the 18/19 season – around £21m – and it’s clear that a lot of clubs in the Championship are going to suffer as the Coronavirus outbreak really starts to bite.
However, Leeds had seemingly taken a big moral stand when the players and Marcelo Bielsa agreed to a wage deferral and were one of the first clubs to do this.
However, it must be remembered that the Leeds players have only agreed to a deferral, not a cut, so it’s cashflow rather than a financial help to Leeds.
The Mail also reported that the Leeds players will get a 2% bonus on any deferred wages so they’ll actually end up making more when they are paid.
The Mail had also reported that the wage deferral was to ensure all full-time staff were paid and the “majority” of part-time staff, so this doesn’t equate to a u-turn from the club.
What we will say is that it’s a shame if it’s true, especially as it comes on the day that Stoke announced they would be paying all staff until the end of August (talkSPORT, Wednesday, 10.30am), but we’re sure that Leeds are trying their best in a very challenging environment.
And by topping up the 20%, the staff are still receiving their full wages.
However, some fans are not happy at the news with one saying, “Sorry, but if this is true Bielsa and the squad have been let down massively by the board.”
https://twitter.com/alibud87/status/1247816657281658880
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