HALF of UK workers have taken actions that help companies survive the recession, according to research commissioned by R3, the insolvency trade body.
By accepting pay freezes, working longer hours or making other changes to their work patterns, they are helping companies stay afloat and preserving jobs.
The poll commissioned by R3 shows that during 2009:
o One in three workers have worked overtime or longer hours without extra pay;
o One in ten have deliberately not asked for a pay rise in view of the recession;
o One in ten have taken unpaid leave;
o One in ten accepted a pay freeze;
o One in ten did not receive a bonus that they expected to receive;
o One in two people who work have taken at least one of these actions.
Insolvency Practitioners think these actions can play a key role in helping a company prevent insolvency. 42 per cent of R3 members believe these activities can be the ‘magic bullet’ to help save a failing business and 91 per cent think they can be helpful as part of a package of measures.
John Hall, R3 council member for Scotland, says: “These people are the unsung heroes of the recession.
“Their personal sacrifices can help businesses survive the recession and, in some cases we’ve seen, they’ve made the difference between survival and collapse.
“A few people in a company taking pay freezes in the short term can prevent insolvency and job losses in the long term.
“With record numbers of insolvencies and rising unemployment, these people make a significant contribution to their companies, their colleagues and the economy as a whole.”
Case study
LM Logistics Group Ltd (Shipping and freight forwarding organisation), Felixstowe
Tony Barnes, managing director: “As a leading warehouse and logistics provider, LM Logistics faced a difficult time as the recession set in due to our high overheads and a heavy reliance on import volumes which decreased significantly as a result of the downturn. We are based in Felixstowe and we warehouse and transport our customers goods imported from around the world. We now have a very positive future ahead of us thanks to many parties, in particular our staff.
“We were victims of the economic situation that has caused so many problems to so many companies over the last 18 months. All our staff agreed to an eight per cent reduction in their pay earlier in the year with a couple of people taking voluntary redundancy. A Company Voluntary Agreement has now been agreed so we’re heading towards a full recovery. The CVA has enabled us to stabilise the business and provide a stable platform for investment, which has now been secured. This would not have been possible without the fantastic support of the staff.
“It is testament to the belief in the company by all parties, in particular the staff, who have all played their part in helping the company through this difficult time. I can’t praise the staff highly enough for the support and commitment they have shown in helping to secure the long term future for all concerned.”
Adrian Hakes, Member of staff: “When the announcement was made that the entire work force was to take a eight per cent reduction in pay, many staff including myself were nervous about their futures. My initial feelings were that although nobody wishes to take a pay cut, it was the only option at the time to try and protect the company and as many jobs as possible.
“This must have been a very hard decision for the senior management to take and would not have been done unless extremely necessary. I have been an employee at LM Logistics for three years and can say nothing but good words regarding the way in which the company looks after all its staff. I believe that now the company has a stable footing, it can move forward and enjoy many successful years ahead.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Will Black, R3 communications manager
t: 020 7566 4215 m: 07917 422 485 e: will.black@r3.org.uk
Notes to editors:
• R3 is the trade body for Insolvency Professionals, and is made up of 97% of the UK’s Insolvency Practitioners from all over the UK. R3 stands for ‘Rescue, Recovery, and Renewal’ and is also known as the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.
• R3 comments on a wide variety of personal and corporate insolvency issues. Please contact the press office, or see www.r3.org.uk for further information.
• R3 promotes best practice for professionals working with financially troubled businesses. Our members work in preventing insolvency and turnaround, as well as formal insolvency procedures. All R3 members are regulated by one of nine recognised professional bodies.
• GfK NOP interviewed 1000 adults 16+ in the UK between the 23 to 25 October 2009. Data has been weighted to bring it in line with national profiles. Of those who have been employed in 2009,
o 28 per cent worked overtime or longer hours without extra pay
o 15 per cent have accepted a pay freeze
o 14 per cent have deliberately not asked for a pay rise in view of the recession
o 14 per cent have taken unpaid leave
o ten per cent didn’t receive a bonus that they would otherwise expect to receive
o seven per cent took a pay cut
o four per cent have taken voluntary redundancy
o 53 per cent have done at least one of these things.
• Between the 15 and 30 July 2009, ComRes conducted an online survey of R3 members in the UK. The survey was sent to 2082 IPs, of whom 365 responded. This means that approximately one in six of those eligible to take part did so. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules (www.britishpollingcouncil.org). Full tables can be found at www.comres.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE issued by Symon Media. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Contact: Ken Symon
Phone: 07866 970648
Email: ken@symonmedia.com
