WARRINGTON North MP, Charlotte Nichols, has praised the National Grid for joining businesses 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 Ms Nichols’ 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.
Ms Nichols said:“It is hugely encouraging to see so many businesses, including the National Grid, pulling together to play a vital role in helping to tackle the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
“We are living in unprecedented times. The outbreak has sparked a fantastic response from communities in Warrington and from across the country. Many people have come together to provide urgent help for the most vulnerable. And, it is good to see so many businesses seeking to play their part in the national effort. Those signing up to the C-19 Business Pledge are going the extra mile and providing much-needed support to help their employees, customers and communities in their hour of need.
“I hope that many more businesses will follow their example by signing up to the C-19 Business Pledge and by doing so, they will not only help Britain through the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also through its recovery.”
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 Charlotte Nichols involved.”
The initiative has already received the backing of employers representing over 300,000 staff and students across Britain.
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.
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.
