Macular Society writes to Chancellor

An open letter asking for help to maintain sight loss services has been sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak by the Macular Society.

The charity highlighted that the government’s furloughing scheme, whereby companies can temporarily lay-off workers to save costs while the government pays up to 80% of wages, only supports charities if they stop operating their services.

Chief executive of the Macular Society, Cathy Yelf, explained: ‘Charities cannot furlough staff when the support they provide is so vitally important. We must be there for the most vulnerable in our society.

‘Sight loss already causes terrible loneliness, isolation and often severe depression and anxiety. We need urgent help to maintain services.’