A NORTH-East member of parliament has praised businesses for pledging to support employees not only through the coronavirus crisis, but after.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson has praised local business Cepac Ltd, a corrugated packaging provider, for joining businesses from across the UK in a collective push to help the country pull through the ongoing crisis.

The C-19 Business Pledge recognises the importance of business in rebuilding the economy once the pandemic is over, whereby companies agree to give additional support to employees, customers and the community.

Cepac Ltd has donated boxes to Darlington Support Hub, allowing it to deliver food parcels to vulnerable residents, while keeping to employees safeguarding measures, and has maintained production for essential customers.

Mr Gibson said: “The response from local businesses such as Cepac Ltd has been tremendous. There has been a real sense of drive and determination in ensuring our community is provided for during this uncertainty.

"Whether this has been by furloughing staff, or keeping their businesses open to provide key services to essential workers or helping those who are vulnerable in our community.”

The company has also instigated a 30-minute production break between shifts, allowing employees to leave the site before colleagues arrive, while some non-essential product lines have been paused, with the focus on essential production for the food and automotive industries.

A limited furlough process has been undertaken and employees have completed a medical questionnaire so vulnerable people can be identified.

Iain Hannam from Cepac Ltd, said: “We are working very hard to ensure the safety of our staff throughout this crisis. Our site is highly automated and we are managing numbers on shift to ensure that staff can follow guidelines on social distancing."

Former Cabinet Minister Justine Greening, who launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison, welcomed Peter Gibson’s backing for the national scheme.

Ms Greening said: “With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the UK, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions.

“But those companies who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.

“In spite of everything, lots of businesses have already shown amazing initiative and commitment to helping people affected by coronavirus.

"The C-19 Business Pledge is all about encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and then helping them do that faster and better by sharing all the great work that’s already been done on our website, www.c19businesspledge.org. The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up British business to play its role.

"It’s great to have MPs like Peter Gibson involved."

Ms Greening set up the C-19 Business Pledge after receiving a huge response from businesses getting in touch with her and willing to be part of a national effort and asking how to get more involved.

The initiative has already received the backing of employers representing over 300,000 staff and students across Britain.