Greene King boss takes 50% pay cut amid Covid-19 pandemic

The pubco has also confirmed pay and furlough arrangements for its 38,000 team members while its pubs remain closed.

The company will make use of the Government’s job retention scheme and furlough a large proportion of its team, paying 80% of salary for all employees furloughed and topping up to 80% for those who earn more than the Government’s annual cap of £30,000. Hourly paid staff will also receive 80% of average earnings, including tronc payments.

Guaranteed pay

Greene King employees had already been guaranteed full pay, based on average hours, until 5 April and this will continue to be paid with 80% of average earnings effective from 6 April.

Mackenzie said: “Like everyone in hospitality, we are having to take tough decisions to protect the long-term future of our business.

“Our number one priority is to look after our team and customers, and we have tried hard to give our people as much certainty and security as possible through this crisis.”

Sad day

Mackenzine went on to say how the Prime Minister’s announcement last week to close all pubs impacted the company.

He added: “Last Friday (20 March) was a sad day for everyone in the business when we had to call last orders for the time being. I would like to thank our team members across the country who have been doing an amazing job over recent weeks, looking after their teams and local communities.

“Pubs truly are at the heart of the communities and never more so now. Every day I hear amazing stories of our pub teams showing they care and doing their bit to help locally, and we are looking forward to getting back to normal as soon as possible.”