Burberry gives covid-19 update on protecting employees and communities
Luxury brand Burberry has given an update on the steps it is taking to support its employees, customers and communities throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The company has already put in place a range of measures to help prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace as it looks to ensure the safety of its employees. It is also helping in the national fight against the pandemic by using its trench coat factory in Castleford to manufacture personal protection equipment for medical and care workers. To date, Burberry has donated more than 100,000 items.
In a statement today, the company has committed to continuing to maintain base pay for all employees who are unable to fulfil their roles due to store or site closures. In addition, Burberry said it will not be relying on government support for jobs in the UK where more than a third of its employees are based.
Burberry also revealed that its senior team and board members will take a voluntary 20% pay cut from April to June. The equivalent cash amount from the board of directors’ pay cut will be donated to the Burberry Foundation Covid-19 Community Fund.
Marco Gobbetti, Burberry chief executive, said: “Since the outbreak of covid-19, our priority has been the safety and wellbeing of our employees, our customers and our communities. While we continue to take mitigating actions to contain our costs and protect our financial position, we are also committed to safeguarding jobs and supporting the relief efforts during this global health emergency. I would like to thank our teams for their continued determination and resilience as we continue Thomas Burberry’s legacy of protecting others and caring for the community.”
