M&S, Network Rail and TSB back The Sun's Jabs Army as we reach 50,000 target

M&S, Network Rail and TSB are the latest firms to back The Sun's Jabs Army campaign.

Thanks to big-hearted readers, The Sun has smashed its 50,000 target, helping to recruit 51,019 volunteers to help the Royal Voluntary Service and NHS with the vaccine roll out.

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But the work doesn't stop there. We are recruiting a "reserve army" who may well be called up to help.

M&S backed the vaccination drive yesterday, saying its 70,000 workers were "frontline heroes" in the pandemic and keen to help with the "much-needed" jabs.

Sacha Berendji of M&S, retail director at M&S, said: “Our colleagues have been frontline heroes throughout the pandemic, helping to deliver essentials to the nation, as well as doing a huge amount in their own time to support the NHS and local communities.

"On top of this, we know they want to help roll out the much-needed vaccine and to protect our NHS heroes so we’re pleased to do our bit in raising awareness and supporting involvement in the NHS Volunteer Responders campaign.”

Many other firms have also backed our campaign. Network Rail, with 42,000 workers, hailed Jabs Army as "brilliant".

Go-Ahead Group, the bus and rail operator with nearly 30,000 UK employees, was "proud" to be on board.

Katy Taylor, from the Go-Ahead Group, said: “We’re proud to support The Sun’s fantastic initiative in helping the NHS to deliver vaccines as swiftly and safely as possible."

TSB, with 6,500 workers, is also on board, joining NatWest.

The Sun’s Jabs Army – how to sign up

VOLUNTEERS for the Jabs Army are being asked to first register online at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.

You will then receive an email with log-in details to sign up online.

Finally, you will be asked to download the GoodSAM app on a smartphone which will match you to a role in your area.

Services will be opening in the coming days and weeks, with different areas up and running at different times, so you might not be required on site for some weeks. Not everyone who signs up will need to be called upon.

You need to commit to only two six-hour shifts a month at a vaccination service, and no prior experience or qualifications are required.

You will work as part of a team that will include NHS staff and volunteers. The Royal Voluntary Service will conduct appropriate background checks.

Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.

George Gordon from TSB said: “Colleague volunteering in communities is a core part of TSB’s Do What Matters Plan.

"So, we’re delighted to back the Sun’s Jabs Army campaign to support the national vaccination rollout.”

National Lottery operator Camelot is urging hundreds of colleagues to sign up.

Yesterday, we revealed how Uber had sent an email out to millions of customers promoting the volunteer drive.

It is also giving out thousands of free rides for those visiting mass vaccination hubs.

The ride hailing app will cover up to £15 of your trip if it starts or ends at one of the seven vaccination centres. The offer is for the first 4,000 rides booked per centre.

BT, Morrisons and Sky TV are also backing the campaign.

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