Sunderland confirm a number of non-playing staff have been placed on furlough leave in statement

The club have said that the decision ‘will ensure staff continue to be paid’ and ‘help protect as many jobs as possible’.

They will be taking advantage of the government scheme announced earlier this week to subsidise wages as the health crisis escalates across the country.

The scheme covers 80% of wages, while it’s understood that the club will cover the rest in each case.

League One is currently scheduled to return on April 31st but it is expected that the postponement will continue beyond then.

“Due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Sunderland AFC have recently placed a number of the club’s non-playing staff on furlough leave,” a statement reads.

“With football suspended until at least 30 April, and many members of staff unable to carry out their roles as a result, the club has taken the decision to utilise the government’s newly-announced wage support system.

“This decision will not only ensure staff continue to be paid, but also help to ensure that as many jobs as possible remain protected throughout the ongoing lockdown.

“SAFC’s priority is, and always has been, the health and wellbeing of its staff and supporters, and we would like to thank them for their continued understanding during these unprecedented times.

“Several key workers remain in place at the Stadium of Light to fulfil the club’s day-to-day operational needs, working from home where possible.”

Sunderland are one of a number of League One clubs to have taken this step.

Rotherham, MK Dons and Accrington Stanley have all confirmed that they have taken this action during an uncertain period for all football clubs.

Sunderland are currently paying all players in full, but clubs throughout the divisions are likely to pay close attention to the result of a summit between the PFA and EFL on Friday.

The PFA called the summit after a number of league clubs requested that their players take pay deferrals during the current crisis.

Leeds United became the first club to publicly confirm on Thursday that their players and senior management staff had agreed to this option.