UK workers want their employers to play an active role during terror attacks

New research from the National Emergencies Trust and Business in the Community (BITC) has found that 76 per cent of employees want the company they work for to play an active role during UK disasters such as terror attacks, floods, or another pandemic.
 
The research found that 32 per cent of UK workers want their employer to provide wellbeing support to any colleagues who may be affected by a national crisis. 32 per cent want their employer to step up for other people affected by donating items and 31 per cent want their employer to raise funds or make a donation.

 
The Opinium survey also revealed that workers also want to play their part during national emergencies. 29 per cent of workers want support from their employer so that they and their colleagues can volunteer their time and 26 per cent would like their employer to help them and colleagues to fundraise for those affected.

The research is being released as the National Emergencies Trust launches its Appeal Partners Programme, which invites networked organisations and UK companies to raise vital awareness and funds during future emergencies to provide as much support as possible to survivors and their loved ones.

The survey revealed that helping during emergencies can have a positive impact for companies. 9%) of the 4,000 UK adults polled said it was a way for companies to show they care about the communities they serve, 37% said companies could show that they live their values, while 30% felt it was a way for companies to strengthen their culture.

Patrons of the National Emergencies Trust which include Arnold Clark, Co-op, Christopher Laing Foundation, Clarion Housing Group, M&G plc, NatWest Group, Sky and Tesco, support the charity year-round to ensure that it can activate at speed when domestic disasters arise. They also play an active part during its emergency fundraising appeals.

The Appeal Partners Programme will now welcome wider companies and networks to offer short-term support during national emergencies. This support could include offering use of their channels; and harnessing their colleagues and networks to raise vital awareness and funds. Arup, Barclays, Business in the Community (BITC), Crowdfunder UK and Royal Mail are the first Appeal Partners to join the Programme.
 
Mhairi Sharp, CEO of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “This research reinforces what we saw during the pandemic when people across the UK called on their employers to take action. It’s one of the reasons that more than 40 percent of the £100 million raised by our Coronavirus Appeal came from companies.
 
“We’ve developed the Appeal Partners Programme to build on this appetite. It invites companies and networks across the UK to stand alongside our incredible Corporate Patrons during future national emergencies. By pooling our collective resources, channels and expertise at speed, we can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives when it really matters.”
 
Mary Macleod, chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “Whether it’s another pandemic or a nationwide cyber-attack, many of the risks the UK faces would have nationwide implications, meaning a whole-society response will be vital. Businesses have the expertise and networks to be central to this, so it's essential to continue to create clear pathways for them to play their part. Many people want to volunteer and help when national disasters occur but don’t know how. The UK has nearly 33 million employees, meaning there is a clear societal benefit if employers encourage their teams to help others during a national disaster. National Emergencies Trust’s new programme will enable more employers to do this, and that’s why Business in the Community is proud to be a founding partner.”