Furniture Makers increase support package for beleaguered industry employees and sole traders

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, has increased the package of support available to struggling employees and sole traders who have been financially shaken by the COVID-19 crisis.

The charity, which has been supporting the welfare of people in the industry for more than 100 years, has been awarding Personal Support Grants to members of the trade to help mitigate against the loss of earnings people are experiencing as a result of being furloughed, made redundant, unable to work or a diminished order book.

The Personal Support Grants the charity is awarding people are based on each applicant’s situation with the duration of the support depending on their changing circumstances.

• Individuals can apply for a monthly grant of £200 for a maximum of six months
• Married couples can apply for a monthly grant of £250 for a maximum of six months
• Sole traders can apply for a monthly grant of £500 for a maximum of two months.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers Company, said: “Our message is simple: if you work in the furnishing industry in any function and you’re struggling to pay your monthly bills, we may be able to help you. Our team are processing applications very quickly and we can get money in people’s accounts within a couple of days, provided we have all the information needed.

“Our charity has never had a greater cause to sustain people in the trade and our Personal Support Grants are providing some much-needed hope during this incredibly uncertain time. You can help us by spreading the word of our grants by telling co-workers and sharing information on social media and company portals.”

For more information about The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Personal Support Grants, go to: https://bit.ly/COVID19FMCsupport

ENDS

Notes to editors

About The Furniture Makers’ Company

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. It fosters the industry by supporting those in need, nurturing skills and expertise and inspiring excellence. It provides support and assistance to those in need who are working or have worked in the UK furnishing industry. It supports students and young people with grants, training and mentoring in order to foster talent and safeguard the future of the industry. It encourages the highest standards and best practice in the design, making, marketing and selling of all kinds of furniture and furnishings throughout the UK, recognising quality through the award of its Guild Marks and Awards.

For further information, contact George Cooper, marketing@furnituremakers.org.uk or 020 7562 8522.