WETHERSPOON founder Tim Martin has revealed plans to reopen his chain of bars and hotels in June.

The announcement comes as bosses said they hope to benefit from the chain having typically larger pubs than its rivals.

Here's a round-up of what we know so far on the proposals.

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'Social distancing in place at pubs'

In an after-hours stock market announcement, the business said: “The company is likely to make some changes to its operating model, assuming increased social distancing, and anticipates a gradual recovery in customer numbers.

“Wetherspoon pubs are substantially larger than average, and most have outside facilities. The company believes these factors are likely to assist if social distancing measures apply.”

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Workers continue to be paid

The 43,000 workers across 874 pubs received about 80 per cent of their salaries in March, despite the boss previously warning workers they would not be paid until Government funds had reached Wetherspoon accounts.

In an after-hours statement, the company added that sales in the six weeks to March 8 increased 3.2 per cent, but fell 4.5 per cent in the week to March 15, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing a full lockdown a week later.

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What have Wetherspoon said?

Wetherspoon said: “The UK Government ordered the closure of pubs on March 20, 2020, from which point the company’s sales have been zero.”

Bosses said they are implementing an “extensive set of measures to protect profit and cash” putting its pubs and hotels into “hibernation”.

New pub openings have been put on hold and are not expected to restart until 2022, with about five a year from then.

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Mr Martin’s firm also revealed it has paid suppliers due at the end of March, with 83 per cent paid in full and extended payment terms agreed with a number of larger suppliers.

However, the majority of rents due in March were deferred.

Tim Martin to take 50 per cent pay cut

The founder said he will take a 50 per cent voluntary pay cut, along with chief executive John Hutson, other directors have agreed to similar cuts.

He said: “The Covid‐19 outbreak is having a severe impact on the UK pub sector. In these challenging times I would like to thank everyone at the company, its suppliers, landlords, banks and the Government for their support and commitment.

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“We’ve had to take significant action to reduce costs, decisions which have not been taken lightly. We look forward to re‐opening our pubs and hotels and welcoming back our teams in the near future.”

On trying to access a loan from the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), the company said it “has made enquiries, but does not believe it is eligible, since it is not ‘investment grade’.

“The company is regarded as investment grade by its two ‘lead banks’ and by its USPP lender, and is charged investment grade rates, we understand.”