St Johnstone have joined the growing number of Scottish clubs placing the majority of their players and staff on coronavirus furlough leave.
Only a few people at the Perth club will be retained in their current roles but all the rest will get their full pay packets for this month.
A statement read: “First and foremost, the club would like to send our best wishes to everyone during these difficult and unprecedented times.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life and football is no exception. There are obviously some tough decisions to be made during this period of uncertainty while football remains suspended.
“It is with this in mind that we can today announce that the club has completed the process of furloughing the majority of non-playing staff at McDiarmid Park as part of the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme.
“We will continue to operate with a small number of core staff who will be working from home. We believe that this decision to furlough employees – while not easy – is the best option to maintain the sustainability and viability of our club, and to protect our valued employees during these challenging times.
“Additionally, after consultation with the club’s football department, we have also completed the process of furloughing most of the playing squad and coaching staff. However, a designated number of the football department will be retained to continue carrying out club and media duties.
“All non-playing and playing staff will receive full pay for the month of April.
“We have received many e-mails and calls from supporters looking to assist the club during this difficult period which has seen our income stream severely impacted by the suspension of football.
“We’d like to thank each and every one of our loyal fans for their continued support.”
Head of Operations at Saints, Kirsten Robertson, added: “This is obviously a very difficult time for everyone and we’d like to thank all employees – both playing and non-playing – for their understanding and co-operation in an unprecedented situation.
“Staff have been working from home where possible since the stadium officially closed on Monday March 23. We have continued as close as possible with the day-to-day operations given the exceptional circumstances.
“The club will maintain contact to check-in on the wellbeing of our employees and we will continue to update our supporters as and when more information becomes available.”
Supporters can still contact the club via e-mail on the addresses below, and can also sign up to e-mail newsletters for any updates on the current situation by emailing newsletters@perthsaints.co.uk.
General enquiries – enquiries@perthsaints.co.uk
Media enquiries – GaryHenderson@perthsaints.co.uk
Lotto enquiries – lotto@perthsaints.co.uk
Ticket enquiries – TracyElder@perthsaints.co.uk
SLO enquiries – BeverleyMayer@perthsaints.co.uk
Hospitality, catering and events enquiries – JulieGardiner@perthsaints.co.uk
