The independent agencies association Marketing Agencies Action Group (MAAG) has created an online community for employees who have been furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The online community, called Independents FC will offer free training and support sessions for staff unable to work due to the impact of Covid-19.

As part of the launch Q&R has created a tailored Pulse Check survey to ask furloughed employees how they are faring during lockdown and what support they would most like.  The anonymised results will be shared via social media in early May.

Take our survey if you are a furloughed employee working in the marketing or communications sector and would like to share your feedback either giving your contact details or remaining completely anonymous.

Furloughing involves the government covering 80% of an eligible employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of £2,500 a month during the pandemic. The furlough scheme applies to anyone on a company’s payroll before 19 March and has been extended until 30 June.

The launch programme for Independents FC includes training and coping mechanisms for mental health and wellbeing.  Other training programmes, which will be supported by the remote working platform Slack, include topics on presenting with confidence and sustainability.

Graham Kemp, director of MAAG, said: “We support agency people in all roles and at all levels and we want to help those who have been furloughed to stay well and stay connected. We’ll also provide an opportunity for them to acquire new skills and knowledge and come back even stronger”.

To join Independents FC register here.

#independentsfc #pragencies #furloughed #PulseCheck  #ListenBetter