How Sheffield United's players are handling the big wage debate

Although Chris Wilder’s squad have so far allowed their union to handle the matter, which has become increasingly delicate as some clubs furlough members of their backroom and administration staffs, it is understood there has also been dialogue between senior members of the United dressing room and Bramall Lane’s hierarchy, who have granted temporary leave of absence to around 225 employees; the overwhelming majority of whom are contracted on a casual basis.

A statement, issued on behalf of United’s board of directors when the measure was announced, confirmed all of those affected will continue to be paid in full while there will be no immediate application to take part in the Government’s worker retention scheme.

Simon Moore, United’s PFA delegate, has been instrumental in liaising between officials at its Manchester headquarters and his team mates. Billy Sharp has also taken part in a series of top level discussions and helped collect support for the #PlayersTogether initiative - which is designed to raise funds for NHS charities - following a series of teleconferences with his fellow captains from across the competition.

“We’re constantly in touch with each other,” Sharp confirmed earlier this week. “Mostly for social reasons, but there’s also been plenty of other stuff to talk about, as everyone will have read.”

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