CITY have made it clear that jobs at Valley Parade are safe after placing staff and players on furlough.

The Bantams have become the latest club to make the announcement to protect themselves against the growing financial impact from football’s lockdown.

Training was suspended on March 14 after a member of City’s coaching staff displayed symptoms of COVID-19 and players have not since reported to the club.

The administrative staff were asked to work from home, where possible, in the days that followed.

The decision to furlough employees, which has been taking place over recent days, enables the club to retain their staff while receiving support from the government via the newly-created coronavirus job retention scheme.

The backing from Westminster sees 80 per cent of full-time staff and player wages covered – up to a value of £2,500 per month per employee.

And those who have been furloughed will have the difference in their salaries topped up by the club.

City director of communications Ryan Sparks said: “These measures are far from ideal, though, given the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in, they protect employees who are unable to perform their duties and avoid forced redundancies.

“From a cashflow perspective, we and a number of our EFL counterparts are facing a great deal of pressure.

“This is no-one's fault and football’s governing bodies have been extremely helpful. But we have to take action in order to safeguard the future of Bradford City."

More and more clubs, including several in the Premier League, are placing their staff on furlough while the sport remains suspended.

Talks continue to take place between the heads of all European national competitions about a potential date when it would be considered safe to start again.

The end of this month had been mentioned but that seems highly unlikely with the pandemic still to reach its peak in the UK.

“There is no indication as to when the season will resume," added Sparks. "The governing bodies are continuing to discuss this across Europe and we are hopeful of some progress in the coming days.

“We are very confident this season will be completed in one way or another – and are also confident that next season will happen.

“There could be a delay to its start, of course, with a shift in the usual calendar. Discussions with the EFL are continuing around that and we are fully engaged in them.

“That aside, our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the families of those being directly affected by COVID-19.

"Many lives have already been lost in this country, with more coronavirus cases being reported every single day.

"We have to look after our people and ensure football's future but it is not a priority at this time.

"Right now, the focus is on staying home, protecting the NHS - which continues to do an incredible job - and saving lives.

"We urge supporters and the people of Bradford to continue to follow government advice and stay safe."