Furniture Makers’ charity supporting workers affected by COVID-19

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is already helping workers who have been affected by the COVID-19 disruption and is ready to support more people in need during the current crisis.

Mark works as an upholsterer in the north of England. Due to coronavirus he has been furloughed and is awaiting the reduced pay guaranteed by the government. His wife is self-employed, and she will have to wait until June for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to take effect. The couple continue to need to meet outgoing direct debits and pay for food.  With little savings, they immediately felt stressed and anxious. We quickly assessed their application and could bring a little relief by awarding a hardship grant to the couple. Mark was very grateful for our assistance at this very difficult and stressful time.

In response to the pandemic, the charity has released an interactive welfare brochure outlining the emergency support it can provide.

The six-page interactive brochure features links to government advice, questions to ask your employer during this uncertain time, information on the financial help the charity provides, frequently asked questions and a link to the application form.

Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Never in the 100-year history of the charity, apart from two world wars, has our industry and country faced such an extraordinary and unprecedented need for welfare support. In the past seven days we have seen a 600% week-on-week rise in page views of those seeking information about how we can help.

“Reacting to the pandemic, we have created an interactive brochure that outlines the financial support that is available to furnishing industry workers. Please take a look at it and share it with co-workers, employees, your HR department so they can share it with everyone who works at your business.”

To access the interactive welfare brochure, go to: https://bit.ly/COVID19FMCsupport