EIC Case Study Support through financial crisis


When financial hardship pushes people to the brink, it can affect every area of life – from mental health and family stability to performance at work.


C


harlie’s story is a powerful example of how the Electrical Industries Charity’s (EIC) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides vital, life- changing support to workers across the electrical industry.


Charlie had been struggling under the weight of months of financial strain. His family had moved into a home with an interest-only mortgage that was nearing its end, leaving them anxious about their future. His wife’s zero-hours contract added further uncertainty, particularly with two young children to care for. Over time, the pressure became overwhelming. Recognising the signs of distress, Charlie’s manager referred him to the EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme. This confidential service offers tailored support to employees facing financial or emotional challenges – precisely what Charlie needed at such a critical moment. The EAP team quickly made contact, offering


effective coping strategies that helped rebuild his confidence, strengthen his resilience and restore a sense of hope for the future.


empathy and practical guidance. Together, they developed a plan to address both Charlie’s immediate financial concerns and his deteriorating mental health. The EIC provided emergency financial support to help ease short-term money worries, giving Charlie and his family some much-needed stability while longer-term solutions were explored. Alongside this, Charlie accessed professional counselling through the EAP. These sessions provided a safe, non-judgemental space to talk openly about his fears and anxieties. Over time, he learned


Throughout his journey, Charlie was supported by the EAP’s ongoing care and guidance, ensuring he never felt alone. This holistic approach reflects the EIC’s commitment to tackling the root causes of hardship – not just the symptoms. Charlie credits the EAP with saving his life and helping him remain present for his family. He said: “Without the support from the EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme, I don’t know where I’d be.”


If you or a colleague are struggling, the EIC’s EAP is here to help. Find out more about this essential service at electricalcharity.org/ employee-assistance-programme. Your wellbeing matters – don’t hesitate to reach out. For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly at 020 3696 1710 or fundraising@electricalcharity.org


Market Report


Significant steps toward decarbonisation for UK and Ireland


A


gainst this backdrop, policy-makers have introduced a broad suite of measures to strengthen energy security, support industrial competitiveness and guide the transition towards clean power systems, says GridBeyond’s report ‘Global Energy Trends 2026, UK and Ireland Outlook’.


The UK and the Irish governments have faced an evolving geopolitical and economic landscape shaped by volatile global energy markets, rising financing costs and the urgency of accelerating decarbonisation. resilience and national security.


The report analyses how both the UK and Ireland have moved steadily towards electricity systems characterised by higher proportions of renewable generation, greater reliance on storage and interconnection and increased dependence on flexible resources.


The policies introduced in the UK and Ireland in 2025 have represented a decisive shift on the road to decarbonisation for these countries. The focus on long-term planning, infrastructure investment, market reform and industrial competitiveness have set the stage for a decade of unprecedented change in the energy sector where both countries view clean energy not only as an environmental priority but as a cornerstone of economic


ewnews.co.uk


In 2025, the UK energy mix was already dominated by low-carbon electricity, with renewables and nuclear together supplying around two-thirds of generation across the year, while gas have provided most of the remaining third and coal have effectively disappeared from the grid. Over the rest of the decade, government and system-operator plans point towards a much cleaner system by 2030, with clean sources expected to provide around 95% of electricity


generation and gas playing only a residual and flexible role.


In Ireland, the Programme for Government 2025 has set out an ambitious agenda for infrastructure and energy policy. The Irish government has reaffirmed its targets for renewable electricity and committed to upgrading the electricity grid, introducing statutory timelines for grid connections, facilitating new interconnectors and holding annual auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.


The policies introduced in the UK and Ireland represent a decisive shift. The focus on long-term planning, infrastructure investment, market reform and industrial competitiveness sets the stage for a decade of unprecedented change in the energy sector, concludes the report.


March 2026 electrical wholesaler | 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40