Where - and how - Sheffield United used furlough payments

Payments made to Sheffield United from the government’s employment furlough scheme were used to protect the jobs of staff working in Bramall Lane’s ticketing, retail and stewarding departments, The Star understands.
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Figures confirming United claimed between £25,001 and £50,000 during February, rising from £10,001 to £25,000 in December last year, were republished on the internet yesterday.

In April, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Premier League club issued a statement confirming it would not immediately apply for central funding whilst reserving the right to do so in the future “after the full financial impact of the situation can be more accurately quantified.”

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It is believed United finally made an application, which was accepted by officials at HMRC, relating to employees in areas of their business which were unable to operate due to social distancing restrictions and other measures imposed to try and limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Sheffield United's home stadium Bramall Lane: Darren Staples / SportimageSheffield United's home stadium Bramall Lane: Darren Staples / Sportimage
Sheffield United's home stadium Bramall Lane: Darren Staples / Sportimage

With supporters prohibited from entering stadia since March 2020 - although the ban is set to be lifted shortly - those also include programme sellers.

With 80 percent of their wages being covered by the furlough programme, United are known to have topped up the salaries of those affected to ensure they were paid in full for the duration.

Newcastle, Southampton and Burnley have also received similar support.

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United, whose relegation to the Championship was confirmed last month, play their penultimate away match of the season when they visit Everton on Sunday. United then travel to Newcastle, before face Burnley.

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