Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe becomes first Premier League figure to take voluntary pay cut

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has become the first Premier League figure to take a voluntary pay cut from his £4million-a-year wages amid the coronavirus crisis.

The League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association, the Premier League and EFL have been locked in talks with a view to reaching a united agreement over pay reductions.

But Howe, together with chief executive Neill Blake, first team technical director Richard Hughes and assistant boss Jason Tindall have broken ranks to take significant pay cuts for the period of time Covid-19 continues to rip through the football calendar.

Sportsmail can also reveal that at least 50 non-playing employees have been furloughed in recent days.

However, the Cherries will continue to pay the remaining 20 per cent of salaries to those who have been furloughed to ensure employees still receive 100 per cent of their wages.

The Cherries want to ensure that every employee still has a job once the disruption to English football is over.

People who have been furloughed are those who cannot perform their jobs during the football suspension, for instance club shop workers.

In a statement released to Sportsmail, Bournemouth’s board of directors confirmed: ‘As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues to gather pace, there are far more questions than answers regarding its effects.

‘One thing is for certain, however; the wellbeing of our employees, supporters, local communities and everyone around the world is of far greater significance than football matches.

‘There is no script for moments like this. No tactics and no set plays to find a winning formula.

‘But as a board we are continually looking at ways to ensure the future of the club and our employees is protected when the season returns.

‘With this in mind, the club’s chief executive Neill Blake, first team technical director Richard Hughes, manager Eddie Howe and assistant manager Jason Tindall have all taken significant, voluntary pay cuts for the entirety of this uncertain time.

‘We have also advised a number of staff across all areas of the club that they will be temporarily furloughed, as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

‘These measures have been taken to safeguard the financial stability of the club during what is such an uncertain period, not only in football but for businesses in all industries across the world.

‘Furloughed employees – all of whose roles have been affected by the closure of Vitality Stadium and the club’s other sites – will be on leave for a minimum of three weeks under the UK government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, which is currently set to run until Sunday, May 31.

‘Affected staff can be recalled to work after a short notice period, if necessary.

‘Throughout the entirety of this time, they will continue to receive their full salary, with the club committing to topping up each furloughed employee’s wages to 100 per cent of their normal pay, while claiming back 80 per cent of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500 per month, as per government guidelines.

‘Furloughed staff will continue to have their benefits – including pension contributions – paid by the club, and holiday entitlement will accrue during this period.

‘We are also offering training schemes to allow furloughed staff to continue their development while on leave, and we look forward to welcoming these employees back to their roles as soon it is possible for the club to fully function again.

‘In this time of great uncertainty, our thoughts are with those who are affected by this virus and those who are caring for them.’ 

Tottenham, Newcastle and Norwich have all put non-playing staff on furlough, with more clubs certain to follow.

But there is no sign yet that Premier League players will follow the likes of Lionel Messi and his Barcelona team-mates, who have taken 70 per cent pay cuts to last for the duration of the coronavirus crisis, and other clubs across Eurpoe.