As Coronavirus is now beginning to hit the market research industry in the UK, we would like to remind employers that the Market Research Benevolent Association is here to help. We are aware that our industry contains a relatively high proportion of casual workers, both face to face and telephone interviewers, who will suffer financially if they cannot work. For people who get into severe financial hardship the MRBA may be able to offer some assistance. We cannot just top up lost earnings, but where there is, for example, a threat of eviction due to the current situation then we may be able to help. We will be aiming to help those most in need. Our usual criterion of at least two years working in market research will continue to apply. For the time being this will be subject to confirmation from employers because we will not always be able to conduct home visits.

If someone finds themselves in this situation then they should email info@mrba.org.uk to request an application form. They should not call the Helpline, but see the website www.mrba.org.uk for the information that we shall be seeking from them and include as much of this as possible in their initial email.

Following announcements in the Budget, the Department for Work and Pensions is making temporary arrangements to support employees, benefits claimants and businesses impacted by coronavirus. Please visit their website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

We ask employers to make this information known to their staff.