Unilever, the consumer goods manufacturer known for its various brands including Dove, Knorr, Omo and Lifebuoy, has announced wide-ranging measures to support the global and national efforts to tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The Company’s official release, dated March 24, claims that it will continue to pay contractors and other part-time staff for up to three months. The Company’s payment protection plan will extend to all employees, contractors and others who are either managed by the Company or work on its sites on a full or part-time basis.
Alan Jope, CEO, Unilever, said, “We are deeply saddened by the terrible impact that coronavirus is wreaking on lives and livelihoods everywhere. The world is facing its greatest trial in decades. We have seen the most incredible response from the Unilever team so far, especially those on the front line of our operations in factories, distribution centres and stores.”
Unilever has also planned to contribute €100m towards the fight against the pandemic, through donations of soap, sanitisers, bleach and food. In addition to the supply of these items, Unilever will adapt its current manufacturing lines to produce sanitisers for use in hospitals, schools and other institutional settings.
According to Company officials, the benefits will apply to workers not already covered by government plans or by their direct employers.
This move by Unilever comes on the heels of other corporations introducing relief measures for their employees suffering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
