Manchester United are making around 250 staff redundant because they believe ‘significant transformation’ was required to ensure ‘long-term health and success’.
It’s a line they will use that won’t make it any easier on those at risk of redundancy.
They will be looking over their shoulders until they know what the future holds for them at Old Trafford.
United have started to inform members of staff that they are at risk of being let go and individual meetings were held with members of staff and departments on Tuesday.
Speaking at the latest fans’ forum, United’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche said (via Manchester Evening News): “There will be other departures too as we continue to restructure the club to ensure we have the right people in the right roles for long-term success.
“Significant transformation is required to meet the challenges we face to be successful on and off the pitch. We believe greater efficiency can lead to better outcomes.
“The cost review has identified “non-essential” activities we can stop, and we therefore believe we have more people than we need to deliver future club priorities.
“We are proposing a club-wide redundancy programme, which we believe will reduce headcount by 250 roles. There is now a formal consultation under way with colleagues so I can’t say any more about the process until that is completed.
“But we have not taken this decision lightly and would not be doing it if we didn’t feel it was necessary for the long-term health and success of the club.”
United previously had the largest workforce in the Premier League, but that will no longer be the case once the staff cut is complete.
This won’t help boost morale at the club and it’s likely to leave the workforce feeling deflated since a lot of good people are bound to be let go.
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