Liverpool reverse decision to furlough staff over coronavirus after huge backlash from Reds fans

LIVERPOOL have reversed their decision to put their staff on furlough leave after a huge backlash from Reds fans, former players and pundits.

Jamie Carragher led the outcry from Kop legends after Anfield bosses furloughed their non-playing staff on Friday.

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Liverpool have reversed the decision to furlough staff after a major backlash

But after coming in for major criticism, Anfield chiefs have now opted to bring their workforce back to the office on full pay.

In a letter to Liverpool fans on the club website, chief executive Peter Moore wrote: “We have consulted with a range of key stakeholders as part of a process aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for all concerned.

“A range of possible scenarios were considered, including but not restricted to: applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which pays 80 per cent of salary and guaranteeing the 20 per cent payment; applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme with a guarantee to reimburse monies received at a later date; and, thirdly, finding an alternative means to cover our furlough costs.

“It is as a direct result of this extensive consultation and our own internal deliberations at various levels throughout the club that we have opted to find alternative means despite our eligibility to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“We believe we came to the wrong conclusion last week to announce that we intended to apply to the Coronavirus Retention Scheme and furlough staff due to the suspension of the Premier League football calendar, and are truly sorry for that.

“Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period.

“We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme.

“We would like to acknowledge the great army of staff and casual workers who work tirelessly to ensure Liverpool is a club that operates to the highest of standards.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher led criticism after the initial decision was announced on FridayCredit: Getty – Contributor

SPIRIT OF TRANSPARENCY

Carragher, along with Dietmar Hamann and Danny Murphy, were vocal in their criticism of the club for their decision.

Many couldn’t understand the move given the fact the club had recorded a £42million profit only days earlier.

But Moore’s letter went on to explain why Liverpool initially placed staff on furlough leave – saying while their income is more limited now, their outgoings are still there.

The statement continued: “In the spirit of transparency we must also be clear, despite the fact we were in a healthy position prior to this crisis, our revenues have been shut off yet our outgoings remain.

“And like almost every sector of society, there is great uncertainty and concern over our present and future.

“Like any responsible employer concerned for its workers in the current situation, the club continues to prepare for a range of different scenarios, around when football can return to operating as it did before the pandemic.

“These scenarios range from best case to worst and everything in between.

“It is an unavoidable truth that several of these scenarios involve a massive downturn in revenue, with correspondingly unprecedented operating losses.

“Having these vital financial resources so profoundly impacted would obviously negatively affect our ability to operate as we previously have.

“We are engaged in the process of exploring all avenues within our scope to limit the inevitable damage.

“We thank the many amazing people in our club, at all levels, who are committed to helping us do just that, despite the complexity and unpredictability in the world and our industry.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk