Kate Griffiths MP is urging local business to join those from across the UK in a collective push to help Britain and its most vulnerable citizens pull through the coronavirus crisis.
Former Cabinet Minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening, who launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison, welcomed Kate’s backing for the national scheme encouraging businesses to join the coronavirus national effort by pledging to go the extra mile helping their employees, customers and communities get through the crisis.
Kate said, "This is understandably a worrying and uncertain time for many businesses and employees across Burton and Uttoxeter. I have received many emails from employers wanting to know what more support they could give their staff, as well as enquiring how they can help in the national effort to tackle the Coronavirus. We have already seen many local companies respond to the nation's call for help, whether that be providing vital new equipment to the NHS or, locally, helping deliver essential items to the vulnerable and those self-isolating. I want to put on record my thanks to them all for what they are doing. I will continue to do all I can to support and answer their concerns during this turbulent time."
Rt Hon Justine Greening said: “With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the UK, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions.
“But those companies who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.
“In spite of everything, lots of businesses have already shown amazing initiative and commitment to helping people affected by coronavirus. The C-19 Business Pledge is all about encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and then helping them do that faster and better by sharing all the great work that’s already been done on our website, www.c19businesspledge.org. The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up British business to play its role. It’s great to have MPs like Kate involved.”
Justine set up the C19 Business Pledge after receiving a huge response from businesses getting in touch with her and willing to be part of a national effort and asking how to get more involved.
The initiative has already received the backing of employers representing over 750,000 staff and students across Britain.
Businesses that have already signed the pledge include BP, Everton Football Club, National Grid, DLA Piper, Severn Trent Water, global publishing firm Emerald Group and software provider Advanced. Also on board are investment company True Potential, tech giant Konica Minolta, Sewell Group and law firm Shoosmiths.
Universities have also risen to the challenge, meanwhile, with Brunel, Northampton, Bradford, York St John, Bolton, Staffordshire and Leeds Beckett universities all putting pledges forward.
Employers who sign up to the C-19 Business Pledge give their backing to provide extra support in three main areas - their employees, customers and communities. They will not only help Britain through the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also through its recovery.
- Firstly, to support their own employees throughout and beyond this challenging time. For example, this could include practical support and advice on financial security, mental health, personal wellbeing as well as reintegration back into work for those who have experienced an extended period away from the workplace.
- Secondly, to publish clear and simple advice for customers. Where possible they could have specialist teams dedicated to supporting customers if they are having problems, such as those facing repayment difficulties and vulnerable customers, as RBS has done.
- Thirdly, doing what they can to help communities in Britain through the epidemic. Over the coming months we are likely to see a sharp increase in isolation, loneliness, mental health and household financial issues in our communities across the country. There will be an increased need for communities to come together with practical support, such as food deliveries, collections and financial assistance for organisations that specialise in supporting vulnerable people.
For more on the C-19 Business Pledge visit www.c19businesspledge.org
