Widnes Vikings can confirm that the club are entering into consultation with staff and players regarding furlough leave, a government scheme aimed at retaining the jobs of employees who may have otherwise been made redundant.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) 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 £2500 of their wages covered by the government.
With the current enforced suspension of rugby league due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the club have taken these measures to preserve and protect the club’s financial status during these unprecedented times.
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.
Instead, these measures are being taken to protect the long-term future of Widnes Vikings so that once rugby league resumes, you will be able to show your support loud and proud at the DCBL Stadium.
We have faced a number of adversities over the years, none more so than last year when our community came together to rescue the club from administration. While this is another unprecedented challenge that we face, we are facing it together, not just as a club and sport, but also as a country.
At this time, we would like to urge all of our supporters to continue to follow government guidelines surrounding Coronavirus. By staying home and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary, you are helping to manage the spread of the virus and are supporting all of our key workers who are unable to stay home.
Stay safe during this difficult period, and remember stay home and save lives.
Widnes Vikings would like to thank the RFL for their help and guidance during this difficult period.
Widnes Vikings will be making no further comment on this matter at this time.
