Cadent rallies staff volunteers to aid national coronavirus response

helping our community

  • Britain’s biggest gas network throws its weight behind national coronavirus efforts
  • Cadent to pay staff who join volunteer efforts to help the most vulnerable
  • Staff offered two days paid volunteer leave per month to assist charities during working hours
 Britain’s biggest gas distributor, Cadent, is throwing its weight behind the national effort to help the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis by paying staff who volunteer.

Cadent’s 4,000 employees are being offered two days of paid volunteer leave each month to support local organisations during their working hours - whether that’s helping out at a food bank or delivering medicines and food supplies to vulnerable people who are self-isolating.

Chief Executive Steve Fraser said: “We are a community-based company with a strong track record in supporting vulnerable people. In a time of national crisis we felt it was right to step up that support for those who most need our help.

“Our staff are doing a fantastic job, keeping people warm and safe during this difficult time. We know that many want to help the most vulnerable but because of childcare or other obligations, are not able to do it in their own time.

“This is why we are offering staff two days of paid volunteer leave each month if they want to help out during their working hours. If every member of staff took up this offer that would be 8,000 volunteering days each month.”
 
Initially, the scheme will run during April and May. The company will review the scheme in May, based on the latest Government advice, operational factors and the success of the first two months.
 
The scheme is in addition to the new statutory Employee Volunteering Leave brought in by the Coronavirus Act 2020, which is targeted at workers who have suitable medical or social care skills and experience and can support health and social care organisations.
 
Cadent delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area. The company manages 80,000 miles of gas mains in those areas, as well as providing a 24/7, year-round gas emergency service.
 
Many of Cadent’s staff are on the frontline, continuing to keep gas supplies flowing and attending gas emergencies, such as gas escapes and carbon monoxide leaks, during the pandemic.
 
Public safety is the company’s top priority and extra precautions are being taken during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure both customers and employees remain safe. Further information can be found on the company’s website at: https://cadentgas.com/coronavirus
 

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Rebecca Wright

rebecca.wright1@cadentgas.com

07899 983792