Hibs agree wage deferral and furlough plans with staff

Hibs have agreed wage deferrals and furlough with their staff.

Hibs have announced that they have reached a mutual agreement with staff and players to defer wages by between 20-50% for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.

Having undergone a in-depth consultation process, the club and staff have reached a conclusion that although a core group of senior managers, ticket office and communications staff will continue to work from home to keep the club ticking over during the current football shutdown and to ensure the Leith outfit is best-placed to move on when play does resume, the majority of employees will now be furloughed.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “Our main aims through this crisis are to look after our people and our community, and to protect this club for the future. We have spoken with staff and our players. They have all been superbly supportive and committed through this whole issue, and we have agreed that we should furlough.

“Senior staff and players have also agreed to defer a significant percentage of their income. This will help the club manage its finances through this difficult period.

“The chairman has said that the club will repay any shortfall in earnings over an agreed period once things return to normal.

“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.”

It is understood that the deferred wages will be repaid in two instalments, at the end of 2020 and then in June 2021, with the club also assuring the playing squad that no new players will be brought in until every member of staff has been returned to their contracted salary levels.

While thanking staff for their understanding and co-operation, Dempster also expressed gratitude to fans who have eschewed the uncertainty of the current global crisis and moved to renew or buy season tickets for the new season, whenever that eventually kicks off. She said that they had helped lessen the blow, allowing the club to bring in much-needed revenue.

“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. If you feel able to commit, please do. We are also very aware that many will not feel able to commit at this time for very understandable reasons … we will be as flexible as we can to help you get your season ticket and we are looking forward to seeing you all back at Easter Road.”