Liverpool place some non-playing staff on furlough while Premier League is suspended due to coronavirus

Merseyside club confirm all those effected will receive 100 per cent of their salary

Liverpool confirmed last month that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended. PA

Liverpool have have placed some non-playing staff on furlough as the Premier League remains suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It is thought around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during football's suspension, have been furloughed.

Staff affected will receive 80 per cent of their salary through the government's job retention scheme and the club will make up the difference.

The announcement comes as Premier League clubs are meeting with representatives of players and managers to discuss possible wage cuts for first-team staff.

A Liverpool club statement said: "The club have confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged.

"Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended."

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been at the forefront of talks between Premier League club captains on a co-ordinated player response in terms of wage cuts.

Additionally, Liverpool's first-team players have been in discussions with the club from the beginning of the Premier League suspension to ensure the club's staff are not financially hurt by the situation.

The statement added: "Even prior to the decision on staff furloughing, there was a collective commitment at senior levels of the club – on and off the pitch – with everyone working towards a solution that secures jobs for employees of the club during this unprecedented crisis.

"There is ongoing active engagement about the topic of salary deductions during the period matches are not being played to schedule. These discussions are complex and as a result the process is ongoing."

Liverpool's announcement follows those from Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Norwich City on the furloughing of staff.

Tottenham, in particular, received heavy criticism for their decision, with former striker Gary Lineker and fan group Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust speaking out.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have both taken voluntary wage cuts.