During the whole of the pandemic and the restrictive measures taken by the government, supermarkets, and other big businesses, such as the DIY markets, have been booming. Even more so during lockdown.

While a lot of small businesses are going under. And more will follow, surely, sadly. And it’s not just the businesses that will collapse, but also the people that work there, or own them. Financially and psychologically there is a big tragedy happening, which is greatly undervalued, with all the focus on the virus in its various forms and the imminent collapse of the health care system.

I think it would be a good idea for the supermarkets and other big businesses that are still operating and doing well, to unite and create a solidarity fund, especially for the small non-food businesses that are hurt time and again by all the restrictions.

Big businesses: open your super and hyper hearts and help your colleagues!

SCARLETT VERKUIJLEN, Porches, Algarve