Former UK Cabinet minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening, launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison. It encourages employers to join the international coronavirus effort by pledging to help their employees, customers and communities get through the crisis.

It is targeting not just the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also the challenges of recovery. It comes after Justine received a huge response from businesses and universities getting in touch with her and willing to be part of a coordinated effort.

The initiative has already received the backing of employers representing over 3 million staff and students. As well as Tivoli Group Ltd, they include bp plc, Everton Football Club, National Grid, DLA Piper, Severn Trent Water, investment firm True Potential, global publishing firm Emerald Group and software provider Advanced.

Employers who sign up to the pledge give their backing to three main objectives built around employees, customers and communities, to help address the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also to assist with the aftermath:

• Firstly, to support their own employees throughout and beyond this challenging time.
• Secondly, to publish clear and simple advice for customers.
• Thirdly, doing what they can to help communities through the epidemic.

To view the Tivoli pledge and case study click here

Darren Cunningham, Tivoli’s Chief Executive, said:

“We take the welfare of our employees very seriously. Balancing this with ensuring service continuity to our clients has been a key priority throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, as we recognise the importance of grounds maintenance activities and the contribution they make to clients, communities and wellbeing.

“Our Pledge demonstrates how we have adapted our business to join the national fight against COVID-19. Tivoli’s commitment to our employees, customers, and the communities we work in has always been at the heart of our business – it’s now more important than ever.”

Justine Greening said:

“With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding across all sectors, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions. But those organisations 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, we are seeing a global response from hundreds of employers that 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 and universities 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. The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up business to play its role in this international effort.”

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