The Drinks Trust has announced the launch of a dedicated grant-giving campaign this winter to individuals in the hospitality industry facing fuel poverty and is calling on the industry for its support.
The Emergency Poverty Fund will run from October 2022 until the exhaustion of funds and will deliver up to £350 to eligible individuals.
The announcement follows the UK Government’s announcement of further measures to tackle the impending energy crisis which includes a freeze on the energy price cap, which will result in the typical household bill being £2,500 a year.
Whilst welcome news to many UK households, the Drinks Trust predicts many in the drinks hospitality industry will be amongst the predicted 6 million homes in fuel poverty this winter, having seen energy bills increase by 96% since winter 2021.
Of the 3.2 million workers in the UK hospitality industry, The Drinks Trust estimates that approximately 192,000 will be using the prepaid meter payment method, the use of which is directly correlated to fuel poverty.
“This winter, tens of thousands of our in-work colleagues will have as little as £450 a month after energy bills, rent and council tax,” said Ross Carter, The Drinks Trust chief executive.
“We have taken data from existing 2022 beneficiaries and modelled their available income after these primary living costs, and the outlook for many is critical.
“Added to this is the increased cost of food, which will leave many of our colleagues in entry and lower paid roles with a decision nobody should have to face.”
Over the winter of 2021/2022, The Drinks Trust received significantly increased levels of demand for hardship grants, and the average value of grants awarded to colleagues in need increased by over 50%.
With the aim of raising £350,000 for the Emergency Poverty Fund, The Drinks Trust is asking the industry’s businesses, brands and agencies to rally behind the campaign and show their support by pledging a donation towards the fund.
The Drinks Trust fundraising team is available to discuss how your business or organisation can play a role in delivering a safe and warm winter to the industry’s workforce, our workforce.
Please get in touch with The Drinks Trust Fundraising team to find out more: partnerships@drinkstrust.org.uk or to find out more visit drinkstrust.org.uk/energy-crisis