Coronavirus: Leeds Rhinos to reduce salaries for three months
Monday 20 April 2020 17:17, UK
Leeds Rhinos have announced pay cuts for players, directors and staff over the next three months.
The Rhinos made a bright start to the 2020 Super League season - winning four of their first five games - but due to the coronavirus pandemic they have not played since a 66-12 win over Toronto on March 5.
A Leeds statement read: "Our board of directors have been working tirelessly to plot a course for the club and our business to steer a way through the current stormy waters we find ourselves in.
"Earlier this month, 150 staff, including our players, coaches, office staff and directors were placed on furlough as part of the government's job retention scheme. That will remain the case for nearly all staff until at least the end of June.
"In addition to this, the board have now made the decision to make a number of temporary salary cuts, to be effective from this month.
"The aim of the reductions is to ensure the club remains in business until at least the end of the year and, secondly, to preserve the employment of players and staff.
"The cuts will apply to all our employees, including the club's players and directors.
"The reductions are in proportion to relative earnings and those who earn the most have been asked to shoulder the heaviest burden at this time.
"For our lowest paid employees, the club has protected the UK Living Wage threshold so no salary will fall below £19,344 per annum.
"Whilst these arrangements cover April, May and June, they could be extended to November if the business is not able to operate as normal in the future.
"The Leeds board will review the situation at the appropriate time but the hope, and intent, is to return to normal as soon as possible."
