Cadent is first gas distribution network to sign COVID-19 Business Pledge

During the COVID-19 outbreak, many organisations and individuals are being called upon to do whatever they can to help. Cadent is proud to be included in these efforts and that is why we are the first Gas Distribution Network (GDN) to sign the COVID 19 Business Pledge launched by former cabinet minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison.

The pledge encourages businesses and other organisations to find creative ways of supporting the NHS and the general public throughout the crisis and this includes taking measures to ensure their own staff’s mental and physical health.

As the UK’s largest Gas Distribution Network with 4,000 staff and 11 million customers to look after, we are naturally taking steps, beyond business as usual, to play our part in keeping the public safe and supporting our NHS.

• We have given two days paid leave per month for local volunteering opportunities for all 4,000 Cadent staff during April and May
• Gas emergency engineers can buy up to £10 of goods for vulnerable customers they visit and can claim it back through their expenses
• Some of our Depot car parks have been made available to ambulances as rest areas
• We have produced a Cadent reassurance to customers radio campaign
• Produced a Doorstep Safety video and a critical worker animation
• We have issued key information on our dedicated webpage www.cadentgas.com/coronavirus
• We are collaborating with industry through the Energy Networks Association who have also produced a radio campaign supporting the NHS
• We have produced signage and guidance for our vans and street teams to reassure the public that the correct procedures are being adhered to
• Several of our staff have volunteered to use their pipe-laying skills to install oxygen pipes at the Nightingale hospital in Birmingham
• In addition, many of our staff are using their own time to help others in any way they can; delivering groceries, supporting foodbanks, and checking on vulnerable members of the community.

And despite these challenging times, Cadent has continued to deliver the emergency response service for suspected gas leaks as well as its programme of essential maintenance in order to keep the public safe, warm and able to cook with gas. You have our promise that we will continue to do this in the weeks ahead.

www.c19businesspledge.org