UK announces CaRe20 to support retail front liners

The British Retail Consortium and retailTrust have collaborated to raise £10 million through the CaRe20 – (Caring for Retail during COVID-19) campaign. The money raised through CaRe20 will go into supporting physical, financial and emotional well-being of retail workers, supporting service industries and their families.

“There has never been a more important time for us all to support one another. The retail industry is facing its biggest challenge in decades with many colleagues under enormous emotional and financial strain. Supporting the well-being of those in the front line is essential. This underlines the need for a strong government response to the crisis, and it is why initiatives like CaRe20 are so important. We urge everyone to offer their support and kindness to the millions of retail workers across the country at this difficult time,” stated Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium through a statement.

Adding further, Richard Boland, chief executive of retailTRUST said, “COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for society and the retail community. How we all care for each other will define how well the nation comes out of this in the future. We are experiencing unprecedented demand for our online services especially via www.myrtwellbeing.org.uk and we are ready with emergency funding to support all involved. The length and depth of the need for support will dwarf anything we have seen in the last one hundred years. We NEED your help.”

Meanwhile, the UK Government has also announced financial support towards “retained employees who cannot work with an 80% subsidy up to £2,500 a month.”