I read on the BBC website that top footballers are uneasy about a pay cut.

Hospital porters earning the minimum wage and risking and sometimes losing their lives.

Don't you just love footballers?

Yes, I fully agree with the players' stance over this.

A 30% pay cut would lead to £100-200m less income tax paid into the Treasury so less money to pay the NHS bills right when it's needed.

Plus taking a pay cut would mean their already rich employers, the clubs, get even more £ into their over-inflated coffers, while most PL clubs selfishly take the Government's offer to pay up to 80% of laid-off staff (non-players') wages. That really stinks.

Even if the players took a wage deferral that would still have to be eventually repaid and we know ultimately who will foot that bill - the TV watching fans.

No, I definitely see a PL pay cut as being a stupid, badly-timed idea. There are other ways they can, and are, contributing though.....

Some players have made some top donations, others are spreading the word and even delivering food parcels. I think the British public would prefer to see a situation where top footballers, sports stars, musicians, actors, Government ministers etc all made significant donations to the cause (rather than taking pay cuts which harm the tax yield) rather than taking the easy option and shouting for footballers to take a cut in pay (presumably folk are happy for, say, Harry Kane to take a pay reduction while, say, Ed Sheeran and George Osbourne can sit in their cash piles while isolating.

Of course, the only justification for players to take any sort of pay cut (and it would be a moral argument, not a legally bound one) is that they're paid to play football and train and right now (through no fault of their own) they're doing neither.

DeePeeNCAFC wrote:Of course, the only justification for players to take any sort of pay cut (and it would be a moral argument, not a legally bound one) is that they're paid to play football and train and right now (through no fault of their own) they're doing neither.

Every employee has a right to a safe working environment. Because of Tory policy the UK has lower tax rates and less money to be spent on such things as Personal Protection Equipment for NHS staff.

However those NHS staff and other carers continue to work and some continue to die.

God bless them all, and a lasting shame on the greedy.

Stan A. Einstein wrote:I read on the BBC website that top footballers are uneasy about a pay cut.

Hospital porters earning the minimum wage and risking and sometimes losing their lives.

Don't you just love footballers?

Thanks for the mention Bren to be fair we are on the living wage in Wales so a bit better but good point

I see on the news that the PFA have said a 30% pay cut for Premier League footballers would damage the NHS.

There is a good hybrid word for Premier League footballers.

Ignoranus.

An idiot who is also a complete &rse-hole.

Stan A. Einstein wrote:I see on the news that the PFA have said a 30% pay cut for Premier League footballers would damage the NHS.

There is a good hybrid word for Premier League footballers.

Ignoranus.

An idiot who is also a complete &rse-hole.

Afternoon Brendan. I must say that I think your idea is a little bit too simplistic.

I also read a story on the BBC news website the other day about this very same issue. We do not know exactly what is going on behind the scenes. Watch and wait before we criticise is my suggestion.

I know that Jordan Henderson is in discussions with all the Premier league captains talking about this issue and trying to see what they can do to help. I hope it is positive. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be.

This comment of mine is in no way suggesting that Premier league players are fairly paid and earn their money. That is a completely separate issue.

This is what the PFA said -

“All Premier League players want to, and will, play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times,

“All Premier League players fully appreciate their role and responsibilities in society during this current crisis. They care deeply for those who are suffering with loss, health and hardship at the moment.

“Discussions about how players can best financially contribute have been ongoing during the current crisis, and prior to yesterday’s announcement by the Premier League.

“The Premier League players want to take the lead and ensure their financial contributions will support:

Our clubs that we play for will obviously need our support, particularly if this crisis goes beyond June.
Non-playing staff at our Premier League clubs – guaranteeing they receive 100% of their wages.
EFL and non-league clubs, their staff and players.
The NHS - whose workers - many of whom are football fans - are doing so much for us all. They are the real heroes.

“We cannot stress enough that football is in this together. Solidarity and putting aside any self-interest is paramount.

“To re-cap what the Premier League proposed within the announcement yesterday:

£20m to charitable causes.
Advancing £125m to the EFL and National League clubs.
A 12-month 30% salary cut/deferral in wages for Premier League players.

"£20m is welcome, but we believe it could be far bigger.

“The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cashflow in the immediate, but football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.

“Many clubs require an increase in funding just to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs.

“Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.

“The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services - which are especially critical at this time. Taking a 30% salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

“The proposed 30% salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government. What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?

“We welcomed the opportunity to discuss this with the Premier League today and we are happy to continue talks.

“It is our priority to finalise the precise details of our commitment as soon as possible. However, to achieve a collective position for all Premier League players - of which there are many different financial and contractual circumstances from club-to-club - will take a bit more time.

“The PFA Charity has also agreed to make a substantial contribution to a player-led initiative once the details are finalised.

“There should be no doubting the players and captains are committed to achieving this as soon as possible. They recognise their role in wider society and what they need to do, as a group, to help and support others.”

pembsexile wrote:

Stan A. Einstein wrote:I see on the news that the PFA have said a 30% pay cut for Premier League footballers would damage the NHS.

There is a good hybrid word for Premier League footballers.

Ignoranus.

An idiot who is also a complete &rse-hole.

Afternoon Brendan. I must say that I think your idea is a little bit too simplistic.

I also read a story on the BBC news website the other day about this very same issue. We do not know exactly what is going on behind the scenes. Watch and wait before we criticise is my suggestion.

I know that Jordan Henderson is in discussions with all the Premier league captains talking about this issue and trying to see what they can do to help. I hope it is positive. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be.

This comment of mine is in no way suggesting that Premier league players are fairly paid and earn their money. That is a completely separate issue.

Hi Mike, hope you and yours are all keeping well.

I appreciate that many will see the things differently but I don't like charity. My view is that a civilized society requires that people are taxed properly and that those, who we now see are doing vital work are properly remunerated.

The low tax, look after yourself 'society' of Thatcher economics has resulted in an underfunded NHS and as a result less wealthy people will die.

Stan A. Einstein wrote:

pembsexile wrote:

Stan A. Einstein wrote:I see on the news that the PFA have said a 30% pay cut for Premier League footballers would damage the NHS.

There is a good hybrid word for Premier League footballers.

Ignoranus.

An idiot who is also a complete &rse-hole.

Afternoon Brendan. I must say that I think your idea is a little bit too simplistic.

I also read a story on the BBC news website the other day about this very same issue. We do not know exactly what is going on behind the scenes. Watch and wait before we criticise is my suggestion.

I know that Jordan Henderson is in discussions with all the Premier league captains talking about this issue and trying to see what they can do to help. I hope it is positive. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be.

This comment of mine is in no way suggesting that Premier league players are fairly paid and earn their money. That is a completely separate issue.

Hi Mike, hope you and yours are all keeping well.

I appreciate that many will see the things differently but I don't like charity. My view is that a civilized society requires that people are taxed properly and that those, who we now see are doing vital work are properly remunerated.

The low tax, look after yourself 'society' of Thatcher economics has resulted in an underfunded NHS and as a result less wealthy people will die.

Fair do’s Brendan - there is no hiding the Socialist in you I’m no admirer of Thatcher, Bojo or the Pratt Trump, not their policies. I just think we need to cut the PFA just a bit of slack at the moment. Things may change though.

As for your first sentence - me and Mrs P are fine at the moment. However, there is a running back story that I will tell you about sometime.

I see no reason why footballers and sportspeople should be singled out. They are only one group among the rich and at least they expend some effort for their wages. Perhaps her majesty could flog off a couple of her many estates and homes , that’d contribute a bit and more practical than her waffling on tv that hardly anybody will listen to. How about a maximum allowed hereditary wealth tax ? Anything over say a certain number of million quid gets confiscated to build national infrastructure, nobody exempted including the royal family? After all , after you’ve set yourself up and have your yacht , houses and private jet, what’s there to spend it on?

lowandhard wrote:I see no reason why footballers and sportspeople should be singled out. They are only one group among the rich and at least they expend some effort for their wages. Perhaps her majesty could flog off a couple of her many estates and homes , that’d contribute a bit and more practical than her waffling on tv that hardly anybody will listen to. How about a maximum allowed hereditary wealth tax ? Anything over say a certain number of million quid gets confiscated to build national infrastructure, nobody exempted including the royal family? After all , after you’ve set yourself up and have your yacht , houses and private jet, what’s there to spend it on?

I do not disagree with any of that.

Stan A. Einstein wrote:

lowandhard wrote:I see no reason why footballers and sportspeople should be singled out. They are only one group among the rich and at least they expend some effort for their wages. Perhaps her majesty could flog off a couple of her many estates and homes , that’d contribute a bit and more practical than her waffling on tv that hardly anybody will listen to. How about a maximum allowed hereditary wealth tax ? Anything over say a certain number of million quid gets confiscated to build national infrastructure, nobody exempted including the royal family? After all , after you’ve set yourself up and have your yacht , houses and private jet, what’s there to spend it on?

I do not disagree with any of that.

Bloody hell, a Republican too.

Stan A. Einstein wrote:

DeePeeNCAFC wrote:Of course, the only justification for players to take any sort of pay cut (and it would be a moral argument, not a legally bound one) is that they're paid to play football and train and right now (through no fault of their own) they're doing neither.

Every employee has a right to a safe working environment. Because of Tory policy the UK has lower tax rates and less money to be spent on such things as Personal Protection Equipment for NHS staff.

Over £140 billion annually for the NHS not enough for you Stan? How does that compare to Southern Ireland, and isn’t there an element of pay as you go?

pembsexile wrote:

Stan A. Einstein wrote:

lowandhard wrote:I see no reason why footballers and sportspeople should be singled out. They are only one group among the rich and at least they expend some effort for their wages. Perhaps her majesty could flog off a couple of her many estates and homes , that’d contribute a bit and more practical than her waffling on tv that hardly anybody will listen to. How about a maximum allowed hereditary wealth tax ? Anything over say a certain number of million quid gets confiscated to build national infrastructure, nobody exempted including the royal family? After all , after you’ve set yourself up and have your yacht , houses and private jet, what’s there to spend it on?

I do not disagree with any of that.

Bloody hell, a Republican too.

Guilty.