According to the volume housebuilder, it has encouraged “hundreds” of its workers to sign up to the Persimmon Voluntary Programme to help vital workers and those in need.
The firm is targeting staff who are “currently not working their usual pattern” while remaining on full pay. It said: “It is these employees who are being encouraged to use the time to offer voluntary support to vital services.”
Persimmon has also signed the C-19 Business Pledge, which commits the business to support its own employees, offering clear advice to customers and providing practical help for communities.
As part of this, it is supporting groups aiding people aged over 70, releasing grants of £64,000 a month through its Community Champions scheme and on April 3, Persimmon announced it would cut executives’ pay in response to the pandemic.
Dave Jenkinson, Persimmon’s CEO, had this to say: “I know many of our staff will want to support the country and vulnerable people through this crisis and that is why we launched the Persimmon Voluntary Programme.
“Staff who are not working their usual pattern are registering to be placed on a central database confirming they are prepared to carry out voluntary work to support local communities.
“We are absolutely thrilled that so many people have stepped forward. We now have hundreds of volunteers available for local charities, the NHS and communities to call upon.”
