CHIEF EXECUTIVE Leeann Dempster has paid tribute to Hibernian’s staff, including first-team players and manager Jack Ross, after a salary deferral scheme was agreed and the majority of employees placed on furlough leave. 

The Edinburgh outfit announced that they will utilise the UK Government’s job retention initiative, meaning the majority of Hibs’ workforce will placed on a temporary hiatus with the State paying 80 per cent of their wage. 

Only a select few individuals in senior management, sales and communications will continue to work in order to keep the club operational.

However, the government’s contribution to the salaries of furloughed employees is capped at £2,500 per month and, with some at Easter Road earning four times that, it would have left many players and management staff facing substantial losses of earnings. 

Hibs were keen to make up as much of the difference as possible but, in light of the continued financial uncertainty, an agreement has been struck to defer between 20 and 50 per cent of what they would have been owed, depending on the individual. 

It is understood some of the clubs most senior, highest paid players volunteered to be take the largest cuts. 

Glasgow Times:

Chairman Ron Gordon has vowed to remunerate staff once the Edinburgh outfit have safely navigated the coronavirus crisis, Dempster has confirmed. 

And the Easter Road CEO is adamant these measure will ensure Hibs are not forced to consider redundancies despite a lengthy period without gate receipts and other major sources of commercial revenue. 

Dempster said: “Our main aims through this crisis are to look after our people and our community, and to protect this club for the future. 

“We have spoken with staff and our players. They have all been superbly supportive and committed through this whole issue, and we have agreed that we should furlough.

“Senior staff and players have also agreed to defer a significant percentage of their income. This will help the club manage its finances through this difficult period. 

“The chairman [Ron Gordon] has said that the club will repay any shortfall in earnings over an agreed period once things return to normal.

Glasgow Times:

“The club hopes that taking this action early will ease some of the cashflow pressure we are facing now and in the coming months, allowing us to see this national crisis out without losing any of our people.”

Dempster also hailed the ‘magnificent’ response to the club’s season ticket launch last week, with more than 1000 sold despite the ongoing doubts regarding when the 2020/21 campaign will actually get under way. 

She added: “We have seen a magnificent response from supporters, and we are grateful to all of those who have felt able to buy a season ticket and offer this vital support. 

“If you feel able to commit, please do. We are also very aware that many will not feel able to commit at this time for very understandable reasons. 

“To all our fans, we will be as flexible as we can to help you get your season ticket, and we are looking forward to seeing you all back at Easter Road.”