Covid-19 has affected us all. Whilst the effects of lockdown have been challenging to everyone, for many people in the global South, the consequences have been absolutely devastating.

Tirupur, in Tamil Nadu, South India, is an important centre for the Indian textile and garment industry, supplying many UK retailers and employing many thousands of workers, many migrants who live in hostels provided by their employers. Homeworkers are also involved in these supply chains, providing additional labour to enable suppliers to meet tight deadlines.

As UK clothing sales collapsed, many retailers have cancelled future orders or even worse, refused to pay for work already completed. Local factories have then been unable to pay outstanding wages due before the lockdown in India on March 24th, and further production was halted as a result. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable, as without a job they have no home or income, and many also struggle to access emergency food from the government because they are not residents.

Social Awareness and Voluntary Education (SAVE ) is a not for profit organisation, working for the welfare and rights of the workers Tamil Nadu. They have received hundreds of calls from migrant workers unable to buy food as their employers refuse to pay wages for work they have already done. Many then have no alternative but to flee the city, returning to their home villages on foot, since trains were cancelled when the lockdown came into force.

Homeworkers Worldwide is currently working with SAVE to improve working conditions of homeworkers involved in the textile sector in Tamil Nadu. They are currently working tirelessly to provide relief measures to the migrant workers and their families, many of which are also homeworkers. But they need your help; this target will enable them to reach 400 homeworkers’ families without delay. Any donation, big or small, will help prove food and essential items to those who really need it in this time of crisis.