Saints use government scheme as players and staff placed on furlough

Saints have placed two thirds of the club's staff, including the entire playing squad, on furlough, the Chron understands.
It looks unlikely that rugby will return to Franklin's Gardens any time soonIt looks unlikely that rugby will return to Franklin's Gardens any time soon
It looks unlikely that rugby will return to Franklin's Gardens any time soon

The furlough scheme, which sees the government pay 80 per cent of the employee's wages up to £2,500 per month, is likely to be used by all Gallagher Premiership clubs in an attempt to stave off financial oblivion.

The current Covid-19 crisis is having a huge impact on businesses, and it has hit rugby clubs hard as they are currently unable to play matches to bring in gate receipts.

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With Premiership action unlikely to return any time soon, Saints CEO Mark Darbon revealed his club is losing up to £400,000 for every home game that is postponed.

And that has forced Saints, who have already made 25 per cent pay cuts across the board - while protecting the lowest paid staff members - to take advantage of the government's help.

A Saints spokesperson said: "Saints continues to implement a range of cost saving measures, in addition to the 25 per cent pay cut we’ve already announced, to try and reduce our cost base and ensure the viability of the club."

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