Widnes set to put players and staff on furlough leave

Drew Darbyshire 31 Mar 2020 11:33 AM

Widnes have confirmed they are set to put their players and staff on furlough leave.

The coronavirus job retention scheme has been introduced by the government in order to allow employers to place their employees on a temporary leave of absence, with 80% or up to £2,500 of their wages covered by the government.

Widnes have taken these measures to protect the club’s financial status during the coronavirus pandemic.

A Vikings spokesman said: “As a club and an employer, it is important that we ensure that once the current situation passes we are in the strongest position possible and have protected jobs within our organisation.

“With the implementation of CJRS, we are able to minimise expenditure and protect jobs so that we can survive this global crisis and come out in the best shape possible on the other side to tackle the challenges ahead.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has had huge implications on businesses across the country, and Widnes Vikings are no different given the loss of income from fixtures being suspended.

“There will continue to be impacts on revenue streams of businesses up and down the country, with so much uncertainty surrounding the length of the current restrictions enforced by the government.

“It is important that our supporters don’t panic given this update, as many clubs and businesses have already taken advantage of CJRS, and it is in no way an indication of any financial trouble within our club.”

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