Coronavirus in UK: Newcastle becomes first PL club to lay off staff amid COVID-19 lockdown

massive spread of coronavirus in UK has caused a lot of chaos in country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for disease earlier last week. In wake of outbreak of coronavirus in UK, Premier League has been suspended until May 2020 and many clubs are requesting that season be shelved. Clubs are struggling to keep ir finances in check during crisis as y are cutting ir players' salaries to raise funds for or employees at club. While many Premier League clubs are doing ir best to work in interest of ir employees, Newcastle United are seemingly doing complete opposite. 

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Coronavirus in UK: Newcastle United taking drastic measures

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has expelled majority of ir employees as club have said that y cant pay salaries due to outbreak of coronavirus in UK. Newcastle United's Managing Director Lee Charnley informed staff that y should apply for government's coronavirus job retention scheme. Due to massive spread of coronavirus in UK, government has started a coronavirus job retention scheme, which will allow employees to claim 80 percent of ir ws up to £2,500 a month.  

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Coronavirus in UK: Premier League clubs facing losses due to COVID-19 lockdown

players and coaching staff are t included in layoff, as decision only includes scouts and academy coaches. Newcastle United's Foundation workers, who helped deliver food to most affected part of city, have also been put out of work. However, Newcastle's officials have supported owner's decision as it is essential to survive during this crucial period. Over £1 million from ticket collection is being marked under losses for every cancelled home match. 

Coronavirus in UK: Premier League return date

FA has anunced that Premier League could return in May. However, Premier League return date completely depends on situation of coronavirus in UK in next month or so.

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