MANCHESTER CITY have become the first Premier League club to confirm they will definitely NOT put non-playing staff on furlough.
The current champions sent an email round hundreds of employees this weekend to ease concerns about the effect the coronavirus could have at the Etihad.
In it, chief operating officer Omar Berrada told them the club are committed to protecting jobs without using the government’s help.
The decision – which was given the thumbs-up by chairman Khaldon al Mubarak – was taken the last week and relieved workers have now been informed.
Their announcement comes on the back of two of their rivals announcing controversial plans to put many of their staff on furlough.
On Saturday, rivals Liverpool made the controversial decision to temporarily lay off a high number of staff – believed to be around 60 per cent..
That move was slammed by former players Stan Collymore and Jamie Carragher while ex-Reds midfielder Didi Hamann also criticised his old club on Sunday.
Tottenham announced a similar plan last week – and were roundly criticised for it.
But City have ruled out following in their footsteps and put the minds of their employees at rest.
A club spokesperson said: “We can confirm, following a decision by the chairman and board last week, that Manchester City will not be utilising the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
“We remain determined to protect our people, their jobs and our business while at the same time doing what we can to support our wider community at this most challenging time for everybody.”
City announced in November that American private equity giant Silver Lake had acquired a 10 per cent share in the City Football Group for a whopping £389million.
That cash was paid up front and will help to underpin the whole business whatever happens over the coming months.
