Manchester United staff offered bonus if they resign before deadline

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring everyone back to the club’s offices.

It is understood that some Manchester United staff have enjoyed working from home since the world was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, staff have been offered the advance payment of an annual bonus if they resign by next Wednesday, as part of Ratcliffe’s decree to bring all employees into the club’s offices.

A United spokesperson told the Guardian that this was not a voluntary departure program: “This is not a voluntary departure program. The club recognizes that not everyone wants to work in the office full-time and has therefore offered staff members who do not wish to return to the office the option to step away now.

This is expected to help reduce staff numbers, with United making it compulsory from June 1 to work at the club’s offices in Manchester or London rather than from home.

An email sent to club staff read: “While 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 want to understand their options. Taking into account this feedback and the fact that we respect the right of each colleague to choose their approach to work, we will allow those who wish to resign now to claim their bonus for this season earlier if they cannot work from our offices from June 1st.

The offer is meant to be open to those who work exclusively in offices, as they may want to take advantage of the opportunity to walk away with a gain.

United employees have until next Wednesday to confirm whether they wish to resign.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s future is up in the air as the club conducts an end-of-season review before deciding whether to change managers.

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