The scheme is aimed at drivers, wash bay, planning and workshop teams, whose roles are vital to keep the wheels turning and provide essential supplies to the UK’s crucial supply chains.
To ensure staff do not continue to work if they need to self-isolate, Abbey says they will top up sick pay for frontline staff for two weeks to be no less than £300 or 80% of their full-time weekly wage. Employees who currently receive £300 or above whilst off work sick will continue to receive the higher payment. The move is to protect Abbey employees from financial hardship should they need to be absent due to COVID-19.
Abbey Logistics’ CEO Steve Granite said the transport company wanted to acknowledge staff that are putting themselves on the frontline to ensure the UK continues to have a secure supply chain whilst providing financial support for key workers who need to self-isolate.
“Logistics workers are on the frontlines, ensuring the public has access to the food and essential products they need during this pandemic.
“Our teams are working around the clock to keep food, pharmaceutical and other essential manufacturers stocked with ingredients to ensure products are produced and on the shelves.
“We want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment that our frontline teams are showing and reassure them that if they need to self-isolate, they will be supported while they stay at home and recover.”
Reflecting on the Government’s actions to support the logistics sector during the pandemic, Granite added:
“Transport companies are indispensable, without them the country would grind to a halt, we are under immense financial pressure at the best of times and even more so during the current situation.
“We are doing what we can to acknowledge our frontline staff while striking a balance between looking after our teams and maintaining commercial responsibility.
“Not all logistics companies will be in this position, so it is extremely important that the UK Government provides our sector the financial support it needs to get through this crisis, and not burden the industry with more debt from loans that some companies will have to call upon just to keep afloat. The sector needs grants, not debt.”