The Drinks Trust COVID-19 Relief Fund Announced
The Drinks Trust (previously known as The Benevolent) have announced that they are setting up a financial relief fund to assist 2,000 drinks industry workers who have been significantly affected as a result of COVID-19. Many drinks industry workers have been able to carry on in their existing roles through access to the government funded salary grant, but many others have been left in severe financial difficulties.The COVID-19 Relief Fund will be open for applications on Monday April 6th and is intended to help two groups of individuals who:
- Have been made redundant and subsequently not been reinstated, and so unable to benefit from the salary grant scheme.
- Are on zero-hours contracts who were on lesser incomes or limited hours, and as a result will have limited income relief.
Additionally, these individuals will have worked in one of the following establishment types;
- On-trade; bars, pubs and those who worked with drinks in restaurants and hotels, such as sommeliers and beverage managers
- Off-trade; those who worked in alcohol retailing businesses
- Distribution; those who worked in businesses supplying the above
Qualifying individuals will be able to access a one-off financial grant of £250, payable directly into their bank account. The Drinks Trust will apply its expertise in assessing needs and will prioritise individuals who have health conditions and also those caring for dependents.Click here to pre-register now to receive notification of applications being openThe Drinks Trust has already received support and donations from businesses such as Pernod Ricard, Concha y Toro UK, Sipsmith and Whisky Auction. If your business is able to support this work financially, please contact them here.Wellbeing Services There has been a significant increase in individuals contacting the Trust regarding anxiety and depression concerns as well as sleep and insomnia issues. To tackle this demand, The Drinks Trust helpline is being increased in capacity and access to talking therapies will be extended.Helpline number: 0800 915 4610You can find out more about The Drinks Trust, here.
