Furlough move aimed at keeping jobs secure

Sussex Cricket bosses have furloughed the majority of its non-playing staff under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

A small group of employees will carry on working to ensure the continued operation of the club.

Chief executive Rob Andrew said: “The shutdown of cricket and with it nearly all the club’s commercial activities until the end of May at the earliest means that we were faced with no alternative but to furlough as many staff as possible during this period.

“The decision has been taken with one thing in mind, which is the protection of the jobs of everyone at Sussex Cricket once we emerge from these extremely challenging times.

“I want to thank our staff for their dedication, professionalism and understanding at what has been and remains a worrying and uncertain time. We are lucky to have so many excellent people working for the club.”

Sussex bosses have reminded supporters of the effect the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their activities, as previously reported.

They said their priority remained the health and wellbeing of everyone involved with the club.

The 1st Central County Ground and its facilities are now closed to the public (except for a small number of events deemed essential.

Nearly all Sussex staff are now working from home.

Phone lines are not being manned, but any enquiries can be directed via email to your usual contact or info@ sussexcricket.co.uk.

Grounds, maintenance and security staff are working at the ground in solo shifts, with the necessary health and safety measures in place, to ensure the upkeep and safety of the site.

The Blackstone Academy Ground, sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College is closed to all users. Grounds, maintenance and security staff are working at the ground in the same manner as at Hove.

All but essential events at the 1st Central County Ground have been cancelled or postponed until at least Thursday, May 28 in line with the ECB’s decision regarding the cricket season. A very small number of those events deemed critical (eg, blood donation sessions) are taking place.