Manchester United make statement following en-masse staff resignation offer

Manchester United have made a statement regarding an en-masse email sent to non-footballing club staff regarding an invitation to resign from their roles.

According to The Guardian, Manchester United staff have been given the option to receive an early payment of their annual bonus if they choose to resign by next Wednesday.

The report explains that this has come as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s directive to have all employees working from the club’s offices and his efforts to reduce the workforce.

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Starting from 1 June, all United staff must work from their offices in either Manchester or London. On Tuesday, an email was sent to employees informing them that those who do not wish to comply can resign and receive their season bonus early.

This offer is also said to be available to employees who currently work exclusively from the offices but want to take the opportunity to leave with a payout.

The bonus, typically paid in September, can reportedly be worth a four-figure sum for some staff members. United employees have until noon next Wednesday to decide if they wish to resign.

“This isn’t a voluntary redundancy programme,” a club spokesperson said in an official statement. “The club recognises that not everyone wants to work from the office full-time so has provided options for staff who don’t wish to return to the office to step away now.”

Regarding the office-only policy, the email is claimed to have said: “Whilst many have welcomed our new approach, we are aware that a number of colleagues prefer not to commit to this new way of working and are keen to understand their options.

“With this feedback in mind and the fact that we respect each colleague’s right to choose their approach to work, we will allow those who wish to resign now to claim their bonus early for this season if they cannot work from our offices from 1 June.”