This is the players' union's response to calls for a 30% pay cut

Premier League clubs are looking to cut their costs while football is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have controversially used a Government scheme to furlough employees, though players remain on full pay.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said that players they should "take a pay cut and play their part" during a press conference this week.

The PFA, for its part, has said that its members want to make "significant financial contributions".

However, the players' union also warned of the tax implications of a 30% pay cut for players.

A PFA statement read: "All Premier League players want to, and will, play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times.

"Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.

"The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services – which are especially critical at this time.

"Taking a 30% salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services. The proposed 30% salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500million in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200million to the government.

"What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the health secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?”

Newcastle defender Danny Rose this week said he would be happy to contribute some of his wages to help frontline staff fighting coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, tweeted: "Football must play its part to show that the sport understands the pressures its lower paid staff, communities and fans face."