The NSPCC has pledged to donate £1 per employee – so currently nearly £2,000 – each year to the Charity Employees Benevolent Fund.

Hilary Greengrass (pictured), general manager of CEBF, said she hoped that having such a high-profile charity as NSPCC on board as a supporter would prompt other charities to follow suit.

NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan said: “If all charities contribute, in just a small way, we can build a decent fund which will provide a lifeline for employees when they most need it.”

New Philanthropy Capital has also agreed an annual donation based on employee numbers.

Since its launch in 2009, CEBF has received 180 applications for support and provided welfare advice to all.  It has also raised a total of £180,000 and made 103 grants.