ECB announces measures to protect staff jobs

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced a number of measures to help lower central costs, and protect jobs in the long-term, as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold.

This follows Tuesday’s news that the ECB will provide a £61 million interim package to help cricket withstand the financial impact of COVID-19.

Today’s announcement includes measures to consult with staff on reducing all employees’ salaries for two months from April 1. Proposed cuts will vary according to the employee’s job grade, ranging from 25% to 10%. The Executive Management Team and Board will receive a salary reduction of 20%, while Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison has volunteered a 25% reduction.

Some staff will also be asked to consent to furloughing through the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, whereafter the ECB will supplement to ensure staff receive 100% of their reduced salary.

The ECB will additionally freeze all recruitment in 2020, with critical roles only being replaced when an employee leaves the business.

Message from ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison:

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone across the cricket network who is working tirelessly to protect our game during these exceptionally challenging times. Cricket is facing the biggest challenge it has encountered in the modern era, and I am acutely aware of the hardships many across the cricket family are facing both on a personal and professional level.

"We are working in partnership with the cricket community to establish how we lead cricket’s response to COVID-19.

"Our three guiding principles remain. Firstly, to ensure people’s safety, including everyone in the cricket family and our own ECB colleagues. Secondly, to protect cricket’s businesses, and the jobs of those who work within the game. And thirdly, to work in partnership through these unprecedented circumstances.

"Yesterday, we rolled out an interim financial package which is fundamental to ensuring the short-term survival of the professional and recreational cricket network. Despite this, the financial situation remains challenging, so our support must be ongoing. Today, we have made a difficult but important announcement to cut central costs through a number of measures – all with a desire to protect jobs in the long-term and ensure we are better prepared to weather the storm ahead.

"I am extremely proud of the brilliant and passionate people who work at the ECB and their dedication during this crisis. But the challenge we are facing – not only in our sport but across the whole country – is exceptional and I know most organisations are having to make tough decisions.

"That being said, I am confident that through careful planning and by working together as a sport, we can get through this and see our wonderful sport and its communities thrive again in the very near future."

ENDS