Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has taken the decision to place the majority of his work force on furlough leave.
Staff are believed to have been informed via an email from Lee Charnley on Monday morning as the UK got ready for week two of lockdown caused by the virus pandemic.
Staff were pointed in the direction of the governments Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which gives workers 80% of their wages back up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.
It is understood that drastic move by Ashley includes a number of Academy staff and members of the club's scouting department as well as the club's Foundation charity. The move does not include players and first team coaches.
Newcastle chiefs are understood to have told staff that the decision was to safeguard the club's future.
The news comes as United were linked with a £340million takeover with Saudia Arabia's Public Investment Group.
Last night the club issued a "no comment" status while reaction from the Premier League - who were reportedly approached by the Middle East group is still awaited.
