Supporting the industry through COVID-19

Our charity has been supporting UK furnishing industry workers since 1903, and we are proudly supporting those who have been affected by the current crisis.

Below are a just a few of the people we have already helped.

Laura’s story

Laura has recently been made redundant due to the ongoing disruption of the coronavirus pandemic.

She has worked as a quality assurance officer for the past seven years.  Her partner also works as an upholsterer at a different company where he has worked for the past 17 years. 

The shock of redundancy has been immense and sadly they had to postpone their wedding which was due to take place in summer 2020.  The couple were pleased to be expecting their first child later this year, but now that has been overshadowed by financial uncertainty.   

On receiving the couple’s application for support, we were able to respond quickly and award a two-month hardship grant.

Anthony’s story

Anthony has worked in the industry for several years as a self-employed bathroom fitter.

The pandemic has left him unable to complete scheduled jobs or take on new work, leaving him with no income to support his monthly outgoings. He reached out to The Furniture Makers’ Company after hearing about us through corporate supporter the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation.

We quickly assessed his situation and were able to bring a little relief through a two-month hardship grant.

Arnis’s story

Arnis, an upholsterer for many years, has recently been made redundant after the company he worked for entered administration.

To make matters worse, it happened just before he should have received his monthly wage, leaving him and his wife with little money to pay their upcoming rent.

He contacted The Furniture Makers’ Company after hearing about us through his manager and was delighted to find out that we could provide some financial support with a grant.

Arnis said: “We were so pleased to hear from you today regarding the grant. It really is a relief at this time and will help us to manage our finances until they are sorted without having to borrow money or take on debt.”

Arnis has since encouraged his colleagues to reach out for support.

For more information on applying for a welfare grant, go to: https://bit.ly/COVID19FMCsupport or contact Sue Dean, welfare officer, on welfareofficer@furnituremakers.org.uk or 020 7562 8528.