Norwich City to furlough staff during coronavirus outbreak

Norwich City have announced they will begin furloughing staff in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Canaries say they will be making use of the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, which will allow non-playing staff to claim 80% of their wages, to a maximum of £2,500 a month, while football is postponed.

The club will make up the remaining 20% to ensure staff receive their usual paycheck.

Fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also used the scheme.

"The club will top up the money received from the scheme to ensure that all furloughed staff receive their usual salary in full," a statement on the Norwich club website read.

"The furloughing of staff will safeguard future jobs and help sustain the club throughout this period."

Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Meanwhile, League Two club Cambridge United have revealed they will also be placing the "vast majority" of their staff, including coaches, on furlough leave.

Like many clubs, the U's have seen their finances take a major hit due to the absence of regular matchday revenue.

"Our income stream has, largely, come to a stop with the postponement of fixtures and virtually all other activities which has had an adverse effect across a number of departments of the Football Club," Chief Executive Ian Mather said.

"The Government’s announcement of the coronavirus job retention scheme has also provided a way for us to retain our staff by placing them on furlough leave. This protects employees who are simply unable to perform their duties as a result of the Covid-19 shutdown."

In further coronavirus news, Ipswich Town have delayed the launch of the their season ticket pricing for next season until they know more about when the current campaign will be concluded.

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