MANCHESTER UNITED are set to drastically reduce overtime for their ground staff which will see some of them have their salaries halves, according to reports.
Last week the Red Devils posted record annual revenues of £648.4million.
United have now been accused of “penny pinching” as they reshuffle their ground staff shift patterns.
According to the Mail, the Red Devils will “drastically reduce” extra hours available to ground staff.
These are the people that work on the Old Trafford pitch, in addition to those at United’s training facilities.
Many of those impacted are said to earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year.
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Previously they could pocket up to another £15k in overtime.
But the change will see some, among the club’s lowest-paid staff members, have their annual earnings halved.
It’s claimed that some are even looking for second jobs.
United chiefs are looking for “casual” ground staff.
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It’s feared that those already in place could lose some of their previous hours to new staff members on zero-hour contracts.
The Red Devils, however, claim that the new additions will merely enable current staff to be able to take time off, ensuring they have back-ups at the ready.
United have endured their worst start to a season since 1962-63, losing eight of their opening 15 games.
Morale among staff members within the club is said to be at an “all-time low”.
United’s latest decision was described as “heartless”, “sickening” and an “absolute disgrace” by a club insider.
Addressing the situation, a club spokesperson told the Mail: “We recognise the significant role the green staff play in delivering one of the best playing surfaces in football. Our review is aimed at protecting the welfare of staff and providing greater flexibility.
“We are seeking to modernise terms and ways of working with employees who work irregular hours around the demands of the football schedule.
“It is good practice to review historic employment terms to ensure we remain competitive and reward staff appropriately, particularly those who spend anti-social hours working hard behind the scenes.”
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete a deal to acquire a 25 per cent stake in his boyhood club imminently.
It’s claimed that the Ineos chief will have a big say on football matters within United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
