The move has been triggered by concerns that individuals could easily face fresh hardship, given a substantial drop in income, it says.
Only A Pavement Away says it is diverting existing money and also seeking fresh funding from supporters to help any member workers forced to self-isolate in the wake of the Coronavirus and who may face redundancy.
The charity hopes that by providing support immediately, to as many people as possible at this early stage, fewer people will be forced to return to their old lives on the streets and/or in prison.
“In light of the present situation, it will be almost inevitable that one of our members will have to self-isolate and may only receive a very small amount of sick pay,” says Greg Mangham, founder of Only A Pavement Away.
“Or they may be at a venue forced to shut. This could well act as the catalyst that pushes them back into destitution, the streets, and/or crime.”
“With immediate effect, Only A Pavement Away will make up the shortfall in earnings between the statutory sick pay and our member’s average weekly earnings. We are ensuring that our members don’t lose the stability they have gained through the opportunities given to them by the hospitality industry employers who we are partnered with.”