As a responsible asset manager, we believe that the way we act during the COVID-19 pandemic is important.
While of course our business has been affected by the lockdown and by falling global asset values, Sarasin & Partners is in the fortunate position of being financially sound. We have made a decision not to make use of any COVID-19-related government support packages (including the furloughing scheme, statutory sick pay rebates and VAT deferral), because we believe these are better used by companies that really need these schemes in order to carry on.
We are mindful of the impact that COVID-19 has had on our clients, employees and vendors. We seek to be as supportive as possible in the way we act towards them, maintaining regular communication throughout.
As investors, we engage with investee companies to promote responsible behaviour and are signatories to the ICCR Investor Statement on COVID-19.