North West businesses have joined a national campaign to help Britain and its most vulnerable citizens pull through the coronavirus crisis. 

Former Cabinet Minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening, who launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison, welcomed the North West backing for the national scheme encouraging businesses to join the coronavirus national effort by pledging to go the extra mile helping their employees, customers and local communities get through the crisis. 

The initiative has already received the backing of employers collectively representing almost one million people across Britain. The campaign is also being backed by over 60 cross-party MPs.

North West-based Co-operative Group, University of Cumbria, Brabners LLP and Everton Football Club have already signed up to the C-19 Business Pledge.

Other supporting businesses include BP, National Grid, Asda, Tarmac, Shell, Drax Power, DLA Piper, Persimmon Homes, Compass Group and Barratt Developments. 

Employers who sign up to the C-19 Business Pledge give their backing to provide extra support in three main areas - their employees, customers and communities. They will not only help Britain through the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also through its recovery.

The key pledges are:

•      To support their own employees throughout and beyond this challenging time. For example, this could include practical support and advice on financial security, mental health, personal wellbeing as well as reintegration back into work for those who have experienced an extended period away from the workplace.

•      To publish clear and simple advice for customers. Where possible they could have specialist teams dedicated to supporting customers if they are having problems, such as those facing repayment difficulties and vulnerable customers, as RBS has done. 

•      Doing what they can to help communities in Britain through the epidemic. Over the coming months we are likely to see a sharp increase in isolation, loneliness, mental health and household financial issues in our communities across the country. There will be an increased need for communities to come together with practical support, such as food deliveries, collections and financial assistance for organisations that specialise in supporting vulnerable people.

Wirral Globe: Rt Hon Justine Greening's business pledge is back back over 60 cross-party MPsRt Hon Justine Greening's business pledge is back back over 60 cross-party MPs

Rt Hon Justine Greening said: “With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the North West, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions. 

“But those companies who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.

“In spite of everything, lots of businesses have already shown amazing initiative and commitment to helping people affected by coronavirus. The C-19 Business Pledge is all about encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and then helping them do that faster and better by sharing all the great work that’s already been done on our website.

"The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up British business to play its role."

For more on the C-19 Business Pledge visit www.c19businesspledge.org