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Arsenal will not be using the UK Government\u2019s coronavirus job retention scheme as \u201cproductive\u201d pay discussions with players continue during \u201cone of the most challenging periods in our near 134-year history\u201d.<\/p>\nArsenal will not be using the UK Government\u2019s coronavirus job retention scheme as \u201cproductive\u201d pay discussions with players continue during \u201cone of the most challenging periods in our near 134-year history\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tottenham and Bournemouth have recently followed Liverpool in reversing their controversial decisions to utilize the furlough system set-up to help businesses survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
Arsenal have confirmed they are not using that scheme in a statement that outlined their intention to pay staff in full during this uncertain period, while extending casual employees\u2019 pay until the end of May.<\/p>\n
The club\u2019s executive team have voluntarily waived more than a third of their earnings over the next year to cope with a challenging time that owners Kroenke, Sports & Entertainment \u201care fully committed to supporting Arsenal through\u201d.<\/p>\n
A statement from the Gunners read: \u201cThe suspension of football and the broader global economic impact of the virus mean that many of our revenue streams are on hold or are at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have always aimed to operate on the basis that the money we earn is reinvested in the team, the wider club and invested into our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe potential impact on our revenue streams puts our operating model under pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that this crisis will pass, and normality will resume, but timeframes cannot be known with any certainty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe potential financial impact is significant so we must be responsible and act now to best protect Arsenal from what might happen in the months ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is clear is that this is one of the most challenging periods in our near 134-year history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arsenal have made it clear to employees through video conferences, newsletters and team meetings that they are \u201cnot considering redundancies\u201d, with all employees receiving their full salaries.<\/p>\n
The club intend to continue on that track and say they \u201care not currently intending to use the Government\u2019s furlough scheme\u201d.<\/p>\n
The club is still working on an agreement with players. Arsenal\u2019s squad this week reportedly rejected a 12.5 per cent pay cut for a year, with that money repaid if qualification was secured for next season\u2019s Champions League.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur players have been keeping very busy during this difficult period, working hard at home on both their fitness and tactical work while training is suspended,\u201d Arsenal\u2019s statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 10 days we have been in discussions with them around the potential financial challenges ahead, and how we are planning for those now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are productive and ongoing conversations around how our players might support their club in an appropriate way. We have not and will not make any comment on this matter until these private discussions have concluded.\u201d<\/p>\n