Williams and Racing Point put some staff on furlough, as drivers take pay cut

Williams and Racing Point are the second and third teams respectively to confirm they are putting some of their staff on furlough – an enforced absence from work – because of the coronavirus, with their drivers among those taking a pay cut.

At Williams, employees not placed on furlough will continue to work but on reduced pay as the British team – who finished last in the constructors’ championship last year – make moves to protect jobs and the team amid the challenging global situation.

Williams said in a statement: “Due to the ongoing situation involving Covid-19, ROKiT Williams Racing is temporarily furloughing a number of employees as part of a wider range of cost-cutting measures.

“The furlough period will last until the end of May whilst senior management, and our drivers, have taken a pay cut of 20% effective from 1st April.

“These decisions have not been taken lightly, however our aim is to protect the jobs of our staff at Grove and ensuring they can return to full-time work when the situation allows.”

A Racing Point spokesperson said: "Some staff have now been placed on temporary furlough. Our drivers will also take a voluntary pay cut."

The news comes a week after it emerged McLaren put some of their staff on furlough, while drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris took a pay cut and employees who continue to work – including senior management – took a salary reduction.

Last month, the British government said they would pay 80% of salaries for staff who are kept on by their employer, covering wages up to £2,500 per month in a bid to help companies retain their workforce and prevent redundancies during the crisis.

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