Easing Lockdown Restrictions & Easter Trade

With the clocks changing this weekend to bring brighter and longer days, I am sure we will all look forward to those long summer nights as the season changes. That’s especially welcome as we start to see the relaxation of Government restrictions beginning on 29^th March.

The first stage of this relaxation begins with social contact increased to a ‘rule of six’ just in time for schools breaking up next week. Alongside this, the ‘stay at home’ rule will also end on 29^th March ensuring millions can begin to see family and friends in a different environment. Across our estate, we look forward to the 12^th April when our Travel business begins to reopen its branches, but until then, they are still operating via the virtual call centre.

 

Easter Trade

Easter is our second biggest trading period in Food Retail and this year has been busier than ever due to lockdown. Food has increased Easter orders by 32% year on year and are currently 30% up on Easter sales versus last year.

As well as all the standard Easter selections this year, our stores have a fantastic range of Co-op eggs on offer which are both Fairtrade and produced plastic-free:

• The flavours of Golden Honeycomb, Salted Caramel & Pretzel eggs

• An award-winning gluten-free alternative Chocolate Egg & Truffles which won a Free from Food Gold Award in 2020

• New for this year through our Direct Sourcing team, is three Cocoba premium eggs which are available in our Food Markets

Safe to say a lot of chocolate to choose from over Easter, yum!

 

National Day of Reflection – Thank you

It is incredible to see the vast number of vaccinations that the NHS is delivering a year on from when the first lockdown started. The National Day of Reflection gave us all the opportunity to reflect and remember all those that we have lost since last year, whether it may be family, friends or even colleagues. I thank you all for taking part and if you do need any further support, we have our dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing section on Colleagues Connect here.

Fittingly, yesterday morning I received my first dose of the Oxford Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine. The organisation and process were extremely efficient and as others have mentioned, you really don’t feel anything. However, it’s been quite a few years since I was last given a ‘brave boy’ sticker! It’s truly amazing that over half of UK adults have now had their first dose. I know it is a matter of personal choice as to whether you have the vaccine but if you are at all worried, please do refer to the information provided here on Colleagues Connect.

 

Receiving my first dose of the Oxford Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine

Within our trading groups, it is great to see colleagues supporting one another as well as dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing training for colleagues. Supporting our home-based & furloughed colleagues in Travel, our mental health charity partner MIND has offered virtual wellbeing sessions to our travel agents during the lockdown. A thank you to Rebekah Brain and Natalie Turner for organising these sessions on behalf of the Society during an essential time.

 

Cowley Centre Food – Supporting Employment for the Homeless

With many communities affected due to the pandemic, earlier this month with our charity partner Aspire Oxford, we piloted the Employment for Homelessness project. I am proud to mention that our Food store in Cowley Centre is supporting work experience for individuals.

Work experience colleagues Mariam and Lynda (left & right) with their buddy colleague Jayson (centre)

A long-term project, next year Cowley Centre will develop a social enterprise hub and a ‘pop up’ social enterprise project to support individuals gain valuable work experience and prepare them for self-employment. A welcome to Mariam and Lynda at Cowley Centre Food. We are delighted that you have joined the team. To read more click here.

 

Sharing our Environmental Achievements Globally at the European Social Economy Summit

Earlier this week, our Society Co-operative Social Responsibility Manager, Mike Pickering, presented at the European Social Economy Virtual Summit, through Euro Co-op. In a week where we look to help save the planet by supporting Earth Hour, Mike showcased our Society’s environmental achievements and how we are engaging our members in climate action. Speaking alongside Co-op's worldwide, he discussed key issues around sustainable consumption and production, and the role of businesses in taking climate action. For more information and to make your #1Change see here.

 

Finally, this weekend, along with the clocks changing as mentioned earlier, it’s Earth Hour on Saturday 27^th March from 8.30 pm-9.30 pm. Our Environmental Ambassador, Cal Major, recorded a special message for our members & colleagues on how they can take part to speak up for nature. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here.

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