The charity will help any member workers forced to self-isolate in the wake of coronavirus- and therefore reliant on statutory sick pay of just £94.25 per week.
The ‘proactive decision’ was made to compensate the difference between income and sick pay to help members through this ‘unprecedented period’.
OAPA hopes that by providing support immediately fewer people will be forced to return to their old lives on the street or in prison.
Greg Mangham, founder of OAPA, said: “In light of the present situation, it will be almost inevitable that one of our members will have to self-isolate and may only receive a very small amount of sick pay. Or they may be at a venue forced to shut. This could well act as the catalyst that pushes them back into destitution, the streets, and/or crime.
“With immediate effect, Only A Pavement Away will make up the shortfall in earnings between the statutory sick pay and our member’s average weekly earnings.
“We are ensuring that our members don’t lose the stability they have gained through the opportunities given to them by the hospitality industry employers who we are partnered with.
“Only A Pavement Away needs to act both in a proactive and preventative manner whilst supporting those employers who have always supported us.”
The hospitality industry has seen a ‘significant drop’ in visits and spending in bars, restaurants and hotels. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has advised people to avoid pubs, restaurants and other outlets.
The OAPA Annual Conference, which was due to take place on 18 March, has been postponed due to coronavirus.
For more information on the initiative, or to pledge funding, contact Greg Mangham on: gregmangham@onlyapavementaway.co.uk.