Partick Thistle pledge to keep employees on full pay

Partick Thistle have pledged to continue to play staff in full for the next two months despite the football shutdown.

With all football suspended due to the coronavirus, clubs are feeling the impact financially and Thistle chief executive Gerry Britton has revealed the cost to his club could be up to £150,000 with no match day revenue for the foreseeable future.

But Thistle have committed to paying staff in full until the end of May.

In a statement on the club website, chairwoman Jacqui Low said: “We do not want anyone to worry about their jobs or income against the current backdrop of uncertainty.

“Therefore, the board has decided that from now until the end of May (the end of the season as was), we will retain all staff across the club on full pay.

“We will look to use the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, if that is available to us, for certain groups within the club but we will make up any difference to reflect their usual rate of pay.

“If it is not, we will still honour our commitment to every employee in full. Regardless of their role at Thistle, we have an equal responsibility to each of them at this time.

“Given that information is changing almost daily, our plan is to go forward in phases, continually monitoring what’s happening and making informed decisions as we go forward with the best interests of the club as our guiding principle.

“In the interim, we will continue to monitor, review and plan what comes next with a view to sharing a further update with employees and fans in May or earlier if necessary.”

Thistle’s finances are in relatively good shape after late Euromillions winner Colin Weir wiped debt last year.

The club has since been boosted by a fan initiative that has raised over £35,000 in the last week.

“Due to careful management by successive boards, our finances are in better shape than many others,” Low said.”But we cannot be complacent as no one knows when football will resume.

“The financial assistance offered to the club by our fans totals just short of £35,000 raised in a week. That is incredible and has allowed us to consider doing things we might not otherwise have been able to.

“We cannot thank fans enough for their support, financial or otherwise. We are indeed Partick Thistle Family Club.

“Your support for Partick Thistle has been immense, our only request is that you look after yourselves and those you love. Stay at home, stay safe – we want you all back at Firhill when the day comes that we can play again.”