Tottenham Hotspur have reversed their decision to furlough their non-playing staff and have committed to directly paying all non-playing staff 100 per cent of their wages for April and May without accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Spurs previously imposed a 20 per cent pay cut on 550 non-playing staff in April and May to “protect jobs”.

The decision comes after pressure from Haringey Labour Councillors, as well as countless fans and members of the public who opposed the Club’s plans.

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, Leader of Haringey Council said:

“I made public and private representations to Spurs alongside many supporters, local residents and others. I am pleased that the Club has changed its mind, and that the Club’s directors have decided to ensure that all non-playing staff will be paid directly by the Club for the immediate future, whilst Spurs directors will take a cut in their salaries. I also note that the Club has decided not to use the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“Labour is committed to protecting workers’ rights, and the furloughing scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme both have a role in ensuring that as many people as possible retain their jobs during and after this crisis. Furloughed workers must be able to meet their living costs while under lockdown, but this is not always possible when employees are earning just 80 per cent of their usual salary. All able employers should be committed to paying their furloughed staff a full salary for the duration of the lockdown, which will ensure that families are still able to make ends meet and help to stimulate the economy once lockdown is over.

“The uncertainty and stress caused to workers during this difficult time has been immense. While I would have welcomed a change of heart on this sooner, it’s never too late to do the right thing. We can expect some sort of restrictions on ‘mass gatherings’ into the summer. Consequently, it is important that the Club’s decision to pay non-playing staff their full salaries in April and May, does not then turn into job losses in June and July. I reiterate my current satisfaction on the Club’s decisions.”