Hibs furlough staff, players defer wages

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Players at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian have agreed to wage deferrals of up to 50 percent on Friday as the club placed the majority of staff on furlough leave due to the coronavirus crisis.

The UK government's furlough scheme guarantees 80 percent of wages for staff members up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month.

"Hibernian FC today thanked all of its employees - staff and players - after the club reached mutual agreement to furlough the majority of its people following a period of constructive consultation in order to protect jobs and incomes," Hibs said in a statement.

"Individual arrangements remain confidential, however employees have agreed to defer salaries by between 20 percent and 50 percent."

English Premier League clubs have come under fire from government officials for using the furlough scheme for non-playing staff without agreeing cuts or deferrals with players.

"The Chairman has said that the club will repay any shortfall in earnings over an agreed period once things return to normal," said Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster.

"The club hopes that taking this action early will ease some of the cashflow pressure we are facing now and in the coming months, allowing us to see this national crisis out without losing any of our people and keeping the club in a good place to compete when football does return to Easter Road."

Hibs have also decided to press ahead with launching season tickets for next season to allow those fans that can the chance to bolster the club's finances.

"We have also seen a magnificent response from supporters, and we are grateful to all of those who have felt able to buy a season ticket and offer this vital support," added Dempster.

"We are also very aware that many will not feel able to commit at this time for very understandable reasons. To all our fans, we will be as flexible as we can to help you get your season ticket."

Football in Scotland has been indefinitely suspended due to the public health crisis.