Spurs have overturned their decision to furlough non-playing staff following an intense backlash from their fans.
On March 31, the club announced that over 500 employees would take a 20% pay cut as the club made use of the governments job retention scheme.
In the days that followed, other Premier League clubs made the decision to furlough staff.
Newcastle had already done so a few days prior, while Bournemouth, Norwich and Liverpool also made use of the scheme.
Having received a similar level of criticism, Liverpool overturned their decision to use the scheme last week. Now, it seems the criticism has gotten to Spurs too.
The Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has taken the brunt of the flack from fans, as he normally does. In the statement released by the club this afternoon, Levy said that it was never the clubs intent to do anything other than ‘protect jobs’.
“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,” said Levy.
“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.”
On Friday, Spurs supporters group Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) urged the club to reverse their decision. The statement told the club there was ‘still time’ for them to ‘do the right thing’.
“This is an unprecedented situation and no-one, including supporters’ organisations, will get everything right from the start,” said the THST.
“We have made this statement in good faith and remain willing to work with all parties for the best outcome. We still believe there is time for the board… to show they have listened and to do the right thing.”
Meanwhile, Spurs also used the statement to announce that they will be using the brand new Tottenham Hotspur as a testing station for NHS staff.
“Equipment has now been installed in our stadium to operate drive-through COVID-19 testing and swabbing for NHS staff, families and their dependents,” read the statement.
“Our Tottenham Hotspur Stadium becomes the first Premier League ground to be used for testing, following on from other sporting venues around the world.”
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