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Barnardo's & coronavirus

UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 03, 2020 / Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan is available for interviews this weekend to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic will destroy the charity sector unless the Government takes decisive action quickly.


•   At Barnardo’s we have lost a third of our monthly income overnight – that’s £8m, and worse is to come

•   The sector is estimated to take a £4.3bn loss in 12 weeks

•   Barnardo’s has had to furlough c. 2,500 staff; National Trust has furloughed 11,000; Cancer Research UK has furloughed 1,800

•   Charities of all sizes are facing imminent collapse; St John’s Ambulance who are helping with the response have until August until they run out of money.

•   There is already evidence of increased demand eg. for residential care for disabled children, of more children experiencing domestic abuse, and the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation at home and online. Children are isolated from school and support networks, leaving them more vulnerable. Hunger and homelessness loom as parents are pushed into poverty – 1m families claimed for social security in the last two weeks

•   Charities are a vital part of the safety net for these children. That’s why we’re calling on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to set aside funding to support the charity sector, as well as automatically deferring or cancelling PAYE and National Insurance for three months.


If this is of interest please call the Barnardo’s media line on 020 8498 7555 or email dara.mulholland@barnardos.org.uk.

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