Coronavirus: Arsenal vow not to furlough staff amid ‘productive’ talks with players over pay cuts

Arsenal will not be using the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme as “productive” discussions with players over potential pay cuts continue.

Having seen Liverpool, Tottenham and Bournemouth reverse controversial decisions to utilise the furlough system set-up during Covid-19, the Gunners have confirmed they will not be using the scheme.

Arsenal intend to pay staff in full, including casual employees until the end of May, as talks with players continue as to how they “might support their club in an appropriate way” during “one of the most challenging periods in our near 134-year history”.

In a statement, the north London club said: “We are in ongoing contact with our employees through video conferences, newsletters and team meetings.

“We have made it clear to them that we are not considering redundancies, and we are fully focused on protecting their well-being, jobs and salaries.”

The statement added: “All our employees are receiving their full salaries and we plan to continue this. We are not currently intending to use the Government’s furlough scheme.

“In addition to our employees, we are extending our commitment to pay casual workers on our payroll from the end of April to the end of May.

“For our matchday casual workers this means they will be paid for all four Premier League games that have been postponed and will be paid again should they work at these games once re-arranged.”

PA