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West Brom CEO Mark Jenkins on furlough consideration and player wages

Albion chief executive Mark Jenkins says the club will continue to assess whether it needs to furlough non-playing staff.

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New West Bromwich Albion Chief Executive Mark Jenkins watches on.

But the Baggies chief has promised the club’s employees they will still be paid in full if he has to sanction the move.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme means the government will pay staff placed on furlough – or temporary leave – 80 per cent of their wages, to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

Jenkins has taken a 100 per cent pay cut while the country is on lockdown due to the pandemic.

Other members of Albion’s senior management team have also offered to take significant pay reductions.

Jenkins has reiterated the Baggies remain financially stable. But if they do need to go down the furlough route, the club will top up the money given to employees by the government so they remain on full pay.

“Like many other clubs we have considered using a Furlough approach with non-playing staff who are now unable to work owing to the lockdown and we have made plans for this eventuality,” the chief executive said.

“At present, we have not been required to sanction this action, but if the lockdown continues and football remains ‘on-hold’ then this decision may have to be changed.

“What we will pledge is to ensure none of the staff affected suffer a reduction in pay.

“The club will make up the 20 per cent shortfall not covered by the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“I should perhaps add at this point that nothing underlines the spirit of our staff, or the commitment they have for Albion, than to tell you that several have volunteered to take pay cuts in order they help the club navigate a way through these difficulties.

“It says everything about the core values which run through our staff for which I and all the senior management team are both mindful and appreciative.”

In recent days, footballers have been urged to do more to help during the coronavirus outbreak by health secretary Matt Hancock.

The Premier League also proposed a 30 pay cut for all players.

And Jenkins is confident Albion’s players will be willing to play their part if the suspension of the game continues.

“Clearly there has been a lot of media attention on player wages and the comments of the PFA,” the CEO continued.

“It is difficult to forecast our future position because of the various ways the club receives its income.

“But if we continue to be unable to play football in any format, we will discuss this further with the players who I am confident will want to play their part.

“Making any long-term plans is now almost impossible with the entire focus of the management team in guiding the club through this difficult time.

“What we are determined to do is to support our wonderful friends in the emergency services and in particular the NHS who continue to help us all through this crisis.

“The club’s Foundation is leading our efforts within the community, assisting those most in need and exploring ways in which West Bromwich Albion can provide support.

“We are in a crisis which peace-time football has never had to face before and there is no way of knowing precisely what we will have to tackle further along the road.

“All I can promise is that everything we do in the weeks to come will be designed to ensure our club is in as strong a position as it has been possible to secure when football resumes.”

Jenkins has retired the Baggies remain financially stable. But if they do need to go down the furlough route, the club will top up the money given to employees by the government so they remain on full time.

“Like many other clubs we have considered using a Furlough approach with non-playing staff who are now unable to work owing to the lockdown and we have made plans for this eventuality,” the chief executive said.

“At present we have not been required to sanction this action, but if the lockdown continues and football remains ‘on-hold’ then this decision may have to be changed.

“What we will pledge is to ensure none of the staff effected suffer a reduction in pay.

“The club will make up the 20 per cent shortfall not covered by the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“I should perhaps add at this point that nothing underlines the spirit of our staff, or the commitment they have for Albion, than to tell you that several have volunteered to take pay cuts in order they help the club navigate a way through these difficulties.

“It says everything about the core values which run through our staff for which I and all the senior management team are both mindful and appreciative.”

In recent days, footballers have been urged to do more to help during the coronavirus outbreak by health secretary Matt Hancock.

The Premier League also proposed a 30 pay cut for all players.

And Jenkins is confident Albion’s players will be willing to play their part if the suspension of the game continues.

“Clearly there has been a lot of media attention on player wages and the comments of the PFA,” the CEO continued.

“It is difficult to forecast our future position because of the various ways the club receives its income.

“But if we continue to be unable to play football in any format, we will discuss this further with the players who I am confident will want to play their part.

“Making any long-term plans is now almost impossible with the entire focus of the management team in guiding the club through this difficult time.

“What we are determined to do is to support our wonderful friends in the emergency services and in particular the NHS who continue to help us all through this crisis.

“The club’s Foundation is leading our efforts within the community, assisting those most in need and exploring ways in which West Bromwich Albion can provide support.

“We are in a crisis which peace-time football has never had to face before and there is no way of knowing precisely what we will have to tackle further along the road.

“All I can promise is that everything we do in the weeks to come will be designed to ensure our club is in as strong a position as it has been possible to secure when football resumes.”

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