Norwich City have confirmed they will begin the process of furloughing members of non-playing staff in response to the on going coronavirus shutdown of professional football.

City released a statement on Tuesday evening outlining their plan, in line with the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, to ‘safeguard future jobs and help sustain the club’ through the current period.

The Canaries have made it clear they will top up the money payable by the government scheme to ensure any furloughed member of staff will receive their salary in full.

The statement, released on their official site, read: “Owing to the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Norwich City football club will begin the process of furloughing members of its staff who are unable to work at this time.

“Under the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, the furloughing of staff will safeguard future jobs and help sustain the club throughout this period.

“The coronavirus job retention scheme will mean that 80% of the salaries of furloughed staff, up to £2,500 per month per individual, will be paid by the government. The club will top up the money received from the scheme to ensure that all furloughed staff receive their usual salary in full.

“Where necessary, part time and casual staff will also be furloughed.

“As part of the scheme, furloughed staff will not be permitted to carry out work for the club.

“The club will continue to monitor and review the situation as it develops.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Sheffield Wednesday announced a ‘significant number’ of employees will be furloughed from next month, although the Owls like Norwich also pledged all those employees will continue to receive their full salary, over and above the 80% covered by the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme.

Tottenham announced on Tuesday 550 non-playing staff would take a 20% pay cut, initially for April and May, while also signalling they intend to use the furlough scheme to ‘protect jobs’.

Newcastle United previously announced on Monday their non playing staff would be placed on temporary leave.

The coaching staff and players of Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United agreed to a wage deferral last week, in order to protect non-football jobs at the Yorkshire club.

It is believed Norwich City and the rest of the Premier League clubs will discuss the matter of player wage deferrals as part of on going discussions on how to respond to the global pandemic – and the financial impact on the game – at a video conference meeting scheduled for Friday.