Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ordered Manchester United’s non-football staff back into their offices in Manchester and London — insisting the club must end its work-from-home culture.
The initiative has been led by INEOS and was trailed to staff members during a meeting on Wednesday. These plans did receive some previous pushback from members of the United’s executive leadership, including interim chief executive Patrick Stewart, whose impending departure was announced on Tuesday night.
The news from Ratcliffe received mixed reviews, with some staff members energised by INEOS’ desire to shake things up, while others will have their life-work balance inconvenienced by the diktat. Ratcliffe wishes to bring United in line with INEOS’ policy of employees returning to their offices full-time.
Ratcliffe delivered the message alongside INEOS director of sport Jean-Claude Blanc, with the 71-year-old Brit also telling staff that he is confident Dan Ashworth will soon be joining the club. Ashworth is taking his current club Newcastle United to arbitration in a bid to expedite his move to Manchester and become their new sporting director.
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Following the Covid-19 pandemic, United staff — like at most organisations — have spent less time in the office as the working environment has become more flexible.
But INEOS wants staff to now return to a more office-based approach as it continues its reshaping at the club following its $1.3billion (£1bn) purchase of a minority stake earlier this year.
One issue, though, is that United’s office spaces were reconfigured to suit those more flexible working arrangements over the past year, meaning there are not currently enough desks at their Manchester or London locations to fit every staff member. There is even less space in Manchester after a portion of the staff office space there was also turned into matchday hospitality.
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Ratcliffe also reiterated to staff that he is confident that United will soon be the leading club in world football again, and spoke about being determined to make it happen as quickly as possible.
INEOS is seeking to bring United’s costs down as part of its restructuring process, with the club losing £42million ($52.5m) overall despite posting £648.4m ($809.9m) in revenue.
As well as revamping United’s player-recruitment set-up, the consultancy firm Interpath Advisory has been hired to review the club’s business and operational costs. That started last month and will continue for several weeks.
United hope the cost savings that emerge from this review will help them comply with the Premier League and UEFA’s financial regulations, allowing for greater investment in the playing squad.
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One such cost-cutting measure is asking staff members to pay £20 to use a club-provided coach to the FA Cup final against Manchester City taking place on May 25. United’s staff have traditionally been offered a free ticket — which they will again receive — but they are being asked to contribute to the travel costs and will not be provided with food between Manchester and London. Another is removing company credit cards from staff members.
The first part of the review is focused on fixed and variable costs (such as suppliers, utilities and travel).
The second part later this year will look at the number of club employees, with INEOS appearing to be taking a view that United’s workforce, the largest of any English football club, is bloated.
INEOS’ drive and energy is providing a fresh lease of life for some staff members but also creating insecurity and concern among others, many of whom are paid everyday wages and are anxious as to whether they will be able to keep their jobs.
Manchester United declined to comment.
(Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)
2024-05-01 17:23:19
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