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Changes at Manchester United: Staff Canteen Closure and Job Reductions Announced
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to close the staff canteen at Old Trafford, replacing the complimentary lunches with fruit offerings for employees. This initiative will also extend to the Carrington training facility, where only players will continue to receive free meals, while other staff will have access to soup and bread.
The announcement was made during a significant all-staff meeting that took place at Old Trafford’s Manchester Suite. Club Chief Executive Omar Berrada indicated the closure of the canteen along with other critical decisions, including the confirmation of impending redundancies. Notably, no questions were taken during the session, which left many attendees without specifics regarding job losses.
Berrada refrained from disclosing the exact number of anticipated job cuts but expressed regret over previous statements made in September, where he asserted there would be no further layoffs following an initial reduction of approximately 250 positions. Subsequently, an email sent to staff later in the day indicated that the redundancies might range from 150 to 200, affecting a workforce of 900 employees.
The Old Trafford staff canteen, which typically operates between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, is expected to close by week’s end. Currently, employees access the facility via a pass that permits free hot meals, coffee, and some soft drinks. Under the new policy, they will have free access to fruit instead. Casual matchday workers will still receive a packed lunch, while the club estimates that discontinuing free lunches could save around £1 million.
On Monday, Manchester United declared its “transformation plan,” outlining strategies aimed at restoring profitability after experiencing five consecutive years of financial losses beginning in 2019. The club stated, “This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”
As part of the restructuring, the club anticipates that around 150 to 200 employees may face redundancy, pending a consultation process with staff. Berrada acknowledged the difficult consequences of these decisions, stating, “We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue.” He emphasized that the club’s primary goals are to achieve success on the pitch and enhance facilities, which cannot be realized if financial losses persist.
During the meeting, Berrada referenced other successful club models with leaner staffing structures. Attendees included key executives such as Roger Bell (Chief Financial Officer), Annie Hale (Human Resources Director), and Collette Roche (Chief Operating Officer). Bell provided a visual presentation illustrating the club’s financial decline over recent years.
In addition to the changes mentioned, some staff members will be relocated from Old Trafford to Carrington, with a reduced presence in London. All executive roles will now be situated in Manchester, including that of Marc Armstrong, who began as Chief Business Officer on Monday. Employee bonuses will also be scaled down this year and will shift to performance-based incentives in the future. Manchester United has committed to continuing its £40,000 annual contributions solely to the Manchester United Foundation and the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association.
Plans for a follow-up consultation process have been acknowledged, indicating that staff feedback will be welcomed as the club navigates through these significant transitions.
Source
www.theguardian.com