UK's MR Charity Offers Coronavirus Support

With the Covid-19 pandemic now sweeping the world, research charity the MRBA has issued a statement reminding employers that it is here to help, including in cases where the industry's casual workers get into severe financial hardship due to the impact of the virus.

The MRBA (Market Research Benevolent Association) states: 'We are aware that our industry contains a relatively high proportion of casual workers, both face to face and telephone interviewers, who will suffer financially if they cannot work. For people who get into severe financial hardship the MRBA may be able to offer some assistance. We cannot just top up lost earnings, but where there is, for example, a threat of eviction due to the current situation then we may be able to help. We will be aiming to help those most in need. Our usual criterion of at least two years working in market research will continue to apply. For the time being this will be subject to confirmation from employers because we will not always be able to conduct home visits'.

Those in such a situation should not call the organisation's Helpline, but should email info@mrba.org.uk to request an application form, including as much as possible of the information specified in the relevant section on the MRBA web site www.mrba.org.uk/how-we-can-help-during-this-pandemic . Employers are asked to alert staff to the above.