Oxford United have placed a proportion of their non-football staff on furlough leave, the club have confirmed.
The U’s aren’t the first English side to do so, and they certainly won’t be the last, but after four weeks without any footballing action, the club have taken action.
Last month, U’s chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth admitted the club wouldn’t struggle financially and would continue to be backed by the board, but added they would need to adapt to get through this tough period.
All but key staff will be placed on furlough – the government scheme which covers 80 per cent of wages – as addressed in a statement by the club.
The statement read: “The club will come back in good shape but with no matches, this is a particularly tough time for all football clubs.
“Staff were asked their opinion and have unanimously agreed that the club should take this step.
“Key staff will continue to work to ensure that the club is ready when football resumes.”
The U’s have also taken up the £180,000 loan made available by the EFL, while a proportion of payment of rent for the Kassam Stadium has been delayed.
The club are finalising plans to keep all backroom and playing staff on the payroll, while talks remain ongoing with the EFL and PFA about a possible collective agreement on wage deferral.
