Trio of initiatives instigated by Not Just Travel to help Ukrainian refugees

Not Just Travel will match the £350 offered by government for any of its corporate staff to host a Ukrainian family fleeing from the Russian invasion.

In a three-pronged response to the crisis, the company is also granting its employees fully paid leave to help with voluntary work to support Ukrainians, either locally or nationally.

It is also supporting its franchisees with any campaigns and fundraising efforts they want to commit to for helping Ukrainian people.

The company will financially back the fundraising of its members, as well as offer the full support of the business and its trade and marketing teams with access to advice, support and materials.

Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel and its recruitment arm The Travel Franchise, said: “Every single one of us is eager to help ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people. As a large business, we have the ability to help too.

“The government’s Homes for Ukraine programme is good, but only goes so far. With ever-increasing living costs, £350 doesn’t cover the outgoings.

“We have an incredibly passionate team who want to do their part but not everyone can afford it. That’s why we are pleased to match-fund the effort so that hosting becomes easier and more affordable.”

Regarding the paid leave initiative, he added: “Not everyone is in the position to host others in their home, but they want to do their bit to help.

“That is why we are also offering to assist fundraising efforts of our members both financially and with staff resources.

“Our employees have the option to take unlimited fully paid leave to enable them to assist in charitable efforts for Ukraine.

“Each request will be dependent on the team’s ability to accommodate the staff leave, but we will do our best and do our part.

“Ultimately we just want to do anything we can to help and make it easier for our staff and members to help and support too.”