Kieran Maguire: Leeds United fans will be livid with club chiefs as contract details emerge
Leeds United fans will be frustrated with the club’s ambiguity over whether or not they pay the real living wage to subcontracted staff.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest developments behind the scenes at Elland Road.
The living wage, set by the Living Wage Foundation, is £11.95 in London and £10.90 elsewhere in the UK, higher than the £9.50 legal minimum wage.
Leeds have pledged to pay the real living wage to their full-time contracted staff.
But BBC Sport reported on Monday (26 September) that they, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could not confirm whether the same privilege extended to subcontracted staff.
Examples of subcontracted staff are matchday stewards and catering/refreshment providers.
Maguire claims that, although the Whites have done the right thing by signing up for the living wage scheme, their fans will be “disappointed” they have been unable to clarify whether subcontractors are as well remunerated.
“I suspect some Leeds fans will be disappointed that the club is being ambiguous with its commitment to the real living wage,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Football clubs are very wealthy institutions. They pay the players very well.
“To my mind, there is no reason why this shouldn’t extend to staff at all levels in paying the real living wage.
“Leeds have gone some way to achieving this with respect to their full-time staff, but there is no reason why this cannot be down as a condition for all external contracts as well.”
In other news, Kevin Campbell tells Leeds United to table big-money deal to forward after Rodrigo Moreno reveal.