Manchester United is enticing a portion of its workforce to resign early by offering an annual bonus if they leave by the following Wednesday.
UK Guardian revealed that this move is part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s directive to bring all employees back to the club’s offices and reduce the overall workforce.
Starting from June 1st, United is mandating that all staff work from their offices in either Manchester or London, rather than remotely.
In an email sent on Tuesday, employees were informed that those who do not wish to comply can choose to resign and receive their bonus early for this season.
The offer also extends to employees who currently work exclusively from the offices but are considering leaving with a payoff.
The bonus, which would typically be paid in September, can amount to four-figure sums for some staff. Employees have until noon next Wednesday to confirm their decision to resign.
The email regarding the office-only policy stated, “Whilst many have welcomed our new approach, we are aware that a number of colleagues prefer not to commit to this new way of working and are keen to understand their options. With this feedback in mind and the fact that we respect each colleague’s right to choose their approach to work, we will allow those who wish to resign now to claim their bonus early for this season if they cannot work from our offices from 1 June.”
According to the email, Manchester United believe that “a return to office will bring substantial benefits for individuals, teams, and the wider club and support our journey to return Manchester United to footballing success.”
A United spokesperson said, “This isn’t a voluntary redundancy programme. The club recognises that not everyone wants to work from the office full‑time so has provided options for staff who don’t wish to return to the office to step away now.”
Ratcliffe, who owns 27.7% of the club, believes that reducing the workforce is necessary. He has previously pointed to email traffic statistics as the reason for banning remote work, advising employees to consider seeking “alternative employment” if they were not willing to come to club offices.
An email sent to staff last Friday outlined plans for an end to home working.
“To ensure we have enough space for colleagues to work safely, we will convert the Trinity Club, the Knights Lounge and the 1999 Suite in East Stand into office space,” the email said. “This is addition to existing facilities in the Engine Room and elsewhere across the stadium. Each desk will have a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
“The London office will be reconfigured to allow additional space for teams. Some teams will also be based at the Ineos office at Hans Crescent in Knightsbridge.”
This week, Ratcliffe is leading a season review, which was not expected to be concluded by Tuesday. Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s key lieutenant, along with Jean-Claude Blanc, the acting chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, the technical director, are the other individuals prominently involved. Joel Glazer, the United co-owner, will also be consulted.
Once the review is completed, a decision will be confirmed on the future of the manager, Erik ten Hag.
