13 April 2020

Levy says 'criticism was felt' as Tottenham reverse decision to furlough non-playing staff

Tottenham have reversed their decision to furlough non-playing staff during the coronavirus crisis following widespread criticism.

The north London outfit had initially said at the end of last month that 550 non-playing members of the club would be taking a 20 per cent pay cut.

But in a swift U-turn, only board members will now take salary reductions, with all other staff members receiving 100 per cent of their wage for April and May.

The club also announced that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will become the first Premier League ground in the country to be used for coronavirus testing for NHS staff and their families.

Speaking about the decision, chairman Daniel Levy said: “The criticism the Club has received over the last week has been felt all the more keenly because of our track record of good works and our huge sense of responsibility to care for those that rely on us, particularly locally.

“It was never our intent, as custodians, to do anything other than put measures in place to protect jobs whilst the Club sought to continue to operate in a self-sufficient manner during uncertain times.

“We regret any concern caused during an anxious time and hope the work our supporters will see us doing in the coming weeks, as our stadium takes on a whole new purpose, will make them proud of their Club.”

Spurs went on to list a number of ways in which the club are changing certain areas in the stadium to combat the fight against COVID-19.

They are:

  • The Media Entrance and Cafe will be used as a main reception and welfare area for visitors and NHS staff
  • The NFL Away changing room areas will be used as a Maternal Day Unit
  • The Flash interview rooms off of the players' tunnel - where post-match TV interviews are normally conducted -  as well as the referees' area, will be used as consultation and scanning rooms
  • The football Away dressing room area will be used as a Midwives Clinical Room and staff Admin Office

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