FREE MASKS for UKFT members and manufacturers
02/06/2020
UKFT members and manufacturers can apply for 50 free face masks per company to help the UK fashion and textile industry return to work.
The masks have been kindly donated by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (İHKİB) and the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (ITHIB) as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity from one of our closest sourcing markets.
Nigel Lugg, Chairman of UKFT said: “We are grateful to our Turkish friends for this kind gesture. I know the industry is keen to get back to work and hopefully these masks will help manage that process.’’
Mustafa Gültepe, chairman of IHKIB, and Ahmet Öksüz, chairman of ITHIB, said: “As the COVID-19 Pandemic is affecting the lives of world’s people and harming the economies, please accept our donation of facemasks for your member companies as an expression of our solidarity with British companies. Being a partner to the same value chain of apparel and textile, we attach great importance to co-operate in all issues that the industry
faces mutually.
“We believe, our deep and long-lasting business relations in fashion and textiles will enable us to recover these unprecedented days of the pandemic quickly.”
The masks are not PPE and have not met any performance testing. However, they are suitable for general protection at work.
The UK government says face coverings do not need to be worn in the workplace but employers should support their workers if they choose to wear one. You can find government guidance on face coverings here.
The masks will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, with preference given to UKFT members. Please email info@ukft.org to apply.
UKFT is in constant dialogue with the government and is outlining the latest support available for businesses on our website. We will update the details as and when the situation changes.
The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is the most inclusive network for fashion and textile companies in the UK. We bring together designers, manufacturers, suppliers, agents and retailers to promote their businesses and our industry, both in the UK and throughout the world.