“For those who are struggling we’re going to be here for you-Burnham launches OneGM campaign

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has launched a new campaign to put in place a support package for businesses in Greater Manchester struggling during the Covid pandemic

At a press conference this afternoon along with representatives from hospitality and business the Mayor The Mayor re-stated his commitment to those whose livelihoods are directly affected by the Tier 3 restrictions and that he committed to help the lowest paid workers whose businesses have been forced to close as well as support for the self-employed/freelancers.

Bringing together the public money from the public sector, private business and charity donations the aim is to provide a package of support for those most in need.

Among those speaking was Gary Neville who said that “We have to put health first, however it is causing a great deal of distress,We can’t stand still. We understand the people this virus affects the most and the rest of us have to find a way to move this thing forward,”

While Dianne Modahl said that coronavirus has magnified the deep inequalities that exist in Greater Manchester,”

“The message is, if you’re unsure how you can help this is a great way of being able to donate to the Mayor’s charity.”

People can donate to local charities and voluntary organisations and through the oneGM campaign hosted on the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Charity website- https://gmmayorscharity.co.uk/. The oneGM campaign brings together all parts of the GM family to work together during this difficult time and further details will be announced in the coming days.

Chris Oglesby, CEO of Bruntwood added: “A defining feature of Greater Manchester is the way that we work together as partners – especially when times are tough. Businesses in Greater Manchester have spent millions in adapting to deal with Covid and, as responsible business leaders, we are focusing on three areas: getting financial support to those in need, providing clarity of message to the public to help more business to trade safely and sustainably, and developing a roadmap out of restrictions by building the evidence base to show how little transmission there is in Covid-safe establishments and workplaces. In doing this we aim to limit the pain of the restrictions to the people of Greater Manchester and get us out of them as quickly as reasonably and safely possible.”

Also backing oneGM, Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lou Cordwell, said: “Many businesses have suffered because of the impact of Covid and if we want our city-region to make a successful economic recovery, we need to provide a lifeline to people and businesses facing the worst effects. This requires a partnership across all sectors in Greater Manchester to support those who need it now so we can build back better.”

Today also saw the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity launch a new donation page on its website in support of oneGM – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/oneGM. Any monies raised will go to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to help those who are struggling during the pandemic.