Manchester United staff offered early bonus by Sir Jim Ratcliffe if he resigns | Manchester United

Manchester United staff have been offered the early payment of an annual bonus if they resign by next Wednesday as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s edict to bring all staff into the club’s offices and his drive to cut the workforce.

United has mandated that from June 1 they work from their offices in Manchester or London. Staff were told in an email on Tuesday that anyone unwilling to comply could opt out and claim their bonus early for this season. It is understood that conditions are also offered to those who work exclusively from offices, but want to take the opportunity to leave with a reward.

The bonus, which would otherwise be paid in September, can be worth four figures for some employees. United employees have until lunchtime next Wednesday to confirm they want to resign.

The email said of the office-only policy: “While many have welcomed our new approach, we are aware that a number of colleagues prefer not to engage in this new way of working and are keen to understand their options. In light of this feedback and the fact that we respect each colleague’s right to choose how they approach work, we will allow those who wish to resign now to claim their bonus early for this season if they are unable to work from our offices from with June 1.”

United believe, the email said, that “a reinstatement will bring substantial benefits to individuals, teams and the club as a whole and support our journey to bring Manchester United to footballing success.”

A United spokesman said: “This is not a voluntary redundancy programme. The club recognizes that not everyone wants to work from the office full-time, so it has offered options for staff who don’t want to go back to the office to retire now.”

Ratcliffe, the 27.7% minority owner, believes the workforce may be cut and has previously cited statistics on email traffic to staff as the basis for a ban on working from home, telling them to find “a place to alternative work’ if they are not willing to come to the club offices.

In an email sent to staff last Friday, plans to end home working were outlined. “To ensure we have enough space for colleagues to work safely, we will be converting the Trinity Club, Knights Lounge and the 1999 Suite in the East Stand into office space,” the email said. “This is in addition to the existing facilities in the Engine Room and other parts of the stadium. Each desk will have a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

“The London office will be reconfigured to allow for additional team space. Some teams will also be based at the Ineos office in Hans Crescent in Knightsbridge.”

Ratcliffe is leading a review of the season this week, which is not expected to conclude on Tuesday. Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s key lieutenant, Jean-Claude Blanc, the interim chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, the technical director, are the other most prominent individuals involved. United co-owner Joel Glazer will also be consulted.

Once the review is complete, a decision will be confirmed on the future of manager Erik ten Hag.