COVID-19: Update from the Board of Directors

Statement from Billy Bowie, Cathy Jamieson and Phyllis McLeish

We hope that all Kilmarnock supporters and their loved ones are keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues and following today’s SPFL conference call, discussions remain ongoing over how and when the 2019/20 season will be resolved and the 2020/21 campaign will begin.

During a period where the club has no income, we will utilise the Government’s Job Retention Scheme with our first-team squad, coaching staff, Academy employees and the majority of administration staff placed on furlough leave through the remainder of April and May.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will mean that 80 percent of the salaries of furloughed staff, up to £2,500 per month per individual, will be paid by the government. The club will top up the money received from the scheme to ensure that all furloughed staff receive 100% of their usual salary.

Under the terms of the programme, during this time furloughed staff will not be allowed to carry out work for the club. A small number of employees, including Alex Dyer and James Fowler, will continue to work from home while fully following Government guidelines and advice.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Billy Bowie said: “We have taken the time to properly assess the situation, including detailed discussions with PFA Scotland, and have made every effort to ensure that we do the right thing by our players as well as our loyal staff.

“As a Board, it is our duty to support our staff and ensure the long-term sustainability of the club while also doing our best to look after our partners in the community.

“We have been blown away by the support of our fans during these tough times and we look forward to a day when we will be able to safely return to watching football together at Rugby Park.”

Until then, please stay safe, protect the NHS and key workers and save lives.