Industry charity GroceryAid has reported a 61% increase in instances of welfare support for colleagues last year, according to its latest Impact Report.
According to the report, there has been a 42% increase in the number of people working in the independent retail sector that have contacted the GroceryAid helpline while the amount of financial support granted to those working in that channel increased by more than 124% compared to the previous year.
The report also revealed a 98% increase in the number of Relate counselling sessions delivered in 2021, and a 101% increase in legal advice referrals while the GroceryAid Welfare Team also dealt with an average of 744 applications for financial support per month, a rise of more than 150% compared to the previous year.
GroceryAid president Allan Leighton praised the industry for working together to support each other. “In the past year, GroceryAid has provided more emotional, practical and financial support than ever before in its 165-year history. Our industry is still feeling the fallout from the pandemic. As employers take admirable steps to protect colleagues from the emotional and economic aftermath of Covid, we are helping record numbers cope with the unforeseen changes to their personal circumstances. This year’s Impact Report outlines how we are using the generous donations of our supporters to improve the lives of our colleagues across the industry.”
GroceryAid welfare director Mandi Leonard added: ‘‘We still have a long way to go for financial and emotional recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are pleased to be able to support more colleagues than ever before. While the future can never be certain, it seems safe to assume that pressures experienced by many of our colleagues will not start to ease any time soon. We will continue to be here for everyone who needs us in the grocery industry.’’
No comments yet