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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Bournemouth follow Liverpool and Tottenham in reversing decision to furlough staff

Bournemouth are the latest Premier League team to perform a U-turn on their initial decision to furlough non-playing members of staff.

The likes of Liverpool and Tottenham received heavy criticism for their intentions to use the government scheme, which was set up to protect vulnerable businesses amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

And after the Cherries were also condemned by supporters, they released a statement on Tuesday evening stating their decision to go back on the decision.

The statement, written by the board of directors, read: "The ongoing Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has created huge uncertainty across the world.

"We are rapidly coming to terms with the stark reality of what this virus means, both for the health of the global population and for business in all industries, who are being affected by its financial implications.

Bournemouth have performed a U-turn on their furlough decision (PA)

"Football is undoubtedly one of those industries. As things stand there is no return date for the 2019/20 Premier League season, meaning our revenue is depleted but our outgoings remain unaffected.

"With this in mind, earlier this month we announced that a number of staff at AFC Bournemouth were being temporarily furloughed, and that we would utilise the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"These measures were not taken lightly, given the operational pressures placed on clubs in such uncertain times. However well-placed our intentions were, we are aware of criticisms levelled at Premier League clubs applying for this scheme.

Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn (BNPS)

"We have listened to our supporters and have reversed our decision to furlough these employees. We, as a board of directors, will ensure that the club can continue to operate while the season is suspended, and we will not be applying for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"Our continuing thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this virus."

The likes of Sheffield United, Norwich and Newcastle are the other Premier League teams who are still going ahead with furloughing staff.

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