Charity GroceryAid has released its 2022-2023 Impact Report, showing a 13% increase in calls to the organisation’s helpline and a 44% increase in incidents of colleague support in the 12 months to 31 March 2023. The report was released on 13 August.

The research highlights the increasing number of grocery businesses, from larger multiples and manufacturers to independent convenience stores, engaging with the charity.

Speaking to Better Retailing, GroceryAid welfare director Mandi Leonard said: “We were on the back of a Covid-19 pandemic, and we went into a cost-of-living crisis. Your finances impact every area of your life – emotionally, your relationships, the stress and anxiety.”

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Last year, GroceryAid provided more than £643,000 in financial grants to workers in the independent retail sector.

Leonard added: “We constantly look at how to support colleagues in the industry. We’re currently running a cost-of-living grant, allowing those eligible to receive £300 per household.”

Support offered by GroceryAid includes its telephone service, online support and financial support.

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