Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) has signed up to a national scheme in the UK set up to encourage businesses to pledge to help their employees, customers and communities across Britain through the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Cabinet minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening, has launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison. It is targeting not just the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also the challenges of recovery. It comes after Ms Greening received ‘huge response’ from businesses getting in touch with her and willing to be part of a national effort.

The initiative has already received the backing of employers representing over 300,000 staff and students. As well as Konica Minolta, this includes BP, Everton FC, National Grid, DLA Piper, Severn Trent Water, global publishing firm Emerald Group, and Experian. Also on board are investment company True Potential, Yorkshire-based Sewell Group and law firm Shoosmiths.

Universities have also risen to the challenge, meanwhile, with Bolton Group, Bradford, Bishop Grosseteste, Brunel, Northampton, York St John, Staffordshire and Leeds Beckett universities all putting pledges forward.

Employers who sign up to the pledge give their backing to three main objectives built around employees, customers and communities. They will not only help Britain through the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also through its recovery:

  • To support their own employees throughout and beyond this challenging time, such as with practical support and advice on financial security, mental health, personal well-being as well as reintegration back into work for those who have experienced an extended period away from the workplace;
  • To publish clear and simple advice for customers, and where possible have specialist teams dedicated to supporting customers if they are having problems, such as those facing repayment difficulties and vulnerable customers; and
  • Support communities in Britain, with an increased need for communities to come together with practical support, such as food deliveries, over the coming months, as well as financial assistance for organisations that specialise in supporting vulnerable people.

Ms 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. The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up British business to play its role.’

For more on the C-19 Business Pledge, visit www.c19businesspledge.org.

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