Coronavirus: Gas company to pay employees to help vulnerable in Shropshire

Staff at Cadent Gas are being offered two days of paid volunteer leave each month to support charities during their working hours – whether it be helping out a food bank or joining a group to deliver medicines and food supplies to those in self-isolation.

Chief executive Steve Fraser said the scheme has the potential to offer up to 8,000 volunteers each month.

He said: “We are a community-based company with a strong track record in supporting vulnerable people. In a time of national crisis we felt it was right to step up that support for those who most need our help.

“Our staff are doing a fantastic job, keeping people warm and safe during this difficult time. We know that many want to support efforts to help the most vulnerable but because of childcare or other obligations, are not able to do it in their own time.

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“This is why we are offering staff two days of paid volunteer leave per month if they want to help out during their working hours. If every member of staff took up this offer that would be 8,000 volunteering days each month.”

The scheme will run throughout April and May before Cadent reviews it again in May, based on the latest government advice, operational factors and the success of the first two months.

The initiative is in addition to the new statutory Employee Volunteering Leave brought in by the Coronavirus Act 2020, which is targeted at workers who have suitable medical or social care skills and experience and can support health and social care organisations.

Cadent delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area. The company manages 80,000 miles of gas mains in those areas, as well as providing a 24/7, year-round gas emergency service.

Many of Cadent’s staff are on the frontline, continuing to keep gas supplies flowing and attending gas emergencies, such as gas escapes and carbon monoxide leaks, during the pandemic.