Your firm can play an important role in supporting the national effort, whether by supporting NHS staff and social care workers under severe pressure, or by taking action to support health facilities such as vaccine centres. If you want to offer your help, but don’t know where to start, start with these three simple steps.
Support NHS and social care workers – could you offer discounts on essential goods and services? If you already do, could you improve awareness of them?
Support your local hospital or vaccination centre – identify the right local contacts and reach out to see how you can help.
Support the national vaccination programme – by allowing staff to volunteer where you can and making it easy for them to take time off work to be vaccinated.
Get started
It’s really important that well-meaning businesses don’t put pressure on or overwhelm their local vaccination centres, even with offers of help. We will continue to liaise with the Department of Health and other organisations, and will provide the right contacts so your business can step up and make a difference.
Great jobs and a sustainable economy, powered by responsible businesses
“The pandemic has shown that when faced with a crisis, business, government and communities can mobilise quickly to provide mutual support and find common solutions. This momentum must continue to help flatten the daunting curve of unemployment, protect our planet, and lessen the potential scarring impact of the pandemic for the next generation.
“When it comes to building back better, business has an important role to play. We know that the road ahead won’t be easy – but we’re calling on firms everywhere to do whatever they can, taking actions big or small, across four key areas, to ensure that business continues to be a force for positive change.”
- John Foster, Interim Director of Policy and Communications, CBI
No business makes the decision to let go of jobs lightly – and the reality is that many will need to make difficult choices in order to survive. But businesses can take steps to limit the negative impact of tough decisions. Taking action will protect vulnerable workers and the next generation, and could improve the pipeline of talent businesses need to thrive.
The pandemic has changed how work gets done. Flexible working has accelerated. Mental health is a priority. But it has also exacerbated structural inequalities, from the burden of caring responsibilities through to the disproportionate impact of the virus on ethnic minorities. Businesses need to take visible action in order to build trust and confidence.
Recent polling from Ipsos Mori shows that two-thirds of Britons (66%) believe climate change is as serious as coronavirus and the majority (55%) want the climate prioritised in economic recovery. Businesses should fast-track green investment wherever possible and make progress towards net-zero emissions to tackle the climate and environmental emergency.
Expectations of businesses are increasing. Our research shows that the public want to buy from and work for companies with a purpose and values that align to their own. Any business in receipt of significant financial support must be exceptionally mindful of its practices, and strive to make sustainable, fair and balanced decisions.
Priority area one
Priority area two
Priority area three
Priority area four
At the onset of the pandemic, we asked businesses to come together to help make a difference for society. Find out how what we achieved across three core challenges:
Redeploying people: How could low and high demand sectors work together to keep people employed and key services running?
Support mental health: How could firms support people to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing?
Help families in hardship: Could business provide food / logistical / IT support for families facing financial hardship?
