Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to move everyone back into the club’s offices.
It’s understood that some members of Manchester United staff have enjoyed working from home since the world was hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.
However, staff have been offered early payment of an annual bonus if they resign by next Wednesday, as part of Ratcliffe’s edict to get all employees into the club’s offices.
A United spokesperson told The Guardian this isn’t a voluntary redundancy programme, saying: “This isn’t a voluntary redundancy programme. The club recognises that not everyone wants to work from the office full-time so has provided options for staff who don’t wish to return to the office to step away now.”
It is expected that this may help trim the workforce, with United making it compulsory from 1 June to work from club offices in Manchester or London rather than at home.
An email sent to club staff read: “Whilst many have welcomed our new approach, we are aware that a number of colleagues prefer not to commit to this new way of working and are keen to understand their options. With this feedback in mind and the fact that we respect each colleague’s right to choose their approach to work, we will allow those who wish to resign now to claim their bonus early for this season if they cannot work from our offices from 1 June.”
The offer is believed to be open to those who work exclusively from the offices as they may wish to take the opportunity to leave with a payoff.
United’s employees have until next Wednesday to confirm whether they want to resign.
Meanwhile, the future of Erik ten Hag is up in the air as the club conducts an end-of-season review before they make a decide on whether to change the manager.
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