National Association of Jewellers furloughs CEO

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has furloughed its CEO Simon Forrester as a “temporary measure” in response to pandemic. A statement issued by the NAJ read: “As all are acutely aware we are in unprecedented times, and uncharted waters lie ahead. The government have made it clear that we have a way to go yet before our normal working lives are to be resumed. Due to these unprecedented circumstances the NAJ’s Exco Committee, working in unison with The British Allied Trades Federation, have felt it necessary to take steps to ensure that the Federation and its member Trade Associations maintain their financial stability during this period. Federation, a not for profit members group of associations, is having to take prudent and proactive steps, like many of its own members businesses, and this includes taking advantage of the government furlough scheme where appropriate. This has affected both some of the trade association and federation employees – including, as of immediate effect, the furloughing of NAJ CEO Simon Forrester. These are purely temporary measures and we are being entirely transparent with all of those involved. We are also finding it necessary to postpone certain projects and events in order to alleviate financial risk and significant spend for the federation and its associations at this time. As part of this, we at the NAJ are in the process of realigning our resources to continue to deliver benefits to all members in the most cost-effective manner possible, supported by our senior middle management team who all remain in situ (including education, membership services, marketing and IRV.) This is a temporary situation brought on by the current crisis, and we will resume normality just as soon as is realistically possible. It is not an option for us just to soldier on as though the world had not changed at this current time, and it would be irresponsible of us to do so. The world has changed, and we are intent upon ensuring that our associations are in the best possible shape, and as fit for purpose as is possible, once we all come out of the other side of this worldwide pandemic. Importantly then the NAJ middle management team remain available to answer any questions that you may have and the NAJ Team will now report operationally directly into David Doyle, NAJ President, for the foreseeable future. The NAJ Chairman’s role (Harriet Kelsall) remains unaffected by any changes. It is vitally important to us that you understand that these measures are short term. Our priority is to you, our members, and we will ensure that you continue to have access to all of the membership services that you require. As an organisation of both employees and volunteers we are determined to ensure that the NAJ comes out of the other side of this ‘Fit for the Future’ and in a robust state and in order to ensure the association's finances are protected some of our volunteers will step up to play their part as we move forward. We thank you for your understanding during these extraordinary times, and please bear with us all as we do our level best. We are working very hard behind the scenes to ensure that the NAJ continues to offer its members the best possible support and the highest possible levels of service. We wish all of you, and your families the very best. Stay safe.”