Following a recent review, we have reduced the minimum trade connection period for our grants from 12 months to 6 months for parents and carers who are currently employed in the fashion and textile industry.  

Starting 14th April 2026, this update expands our eligibility criteria, meaning even more parents and carers working in the fashion and textile industry can receive grant support.

What's changing exactly?

• We have made changes to the trade connection length within our application criteria, for current employees.
• Parents and carers currently employed in the industry will now be able to apply after just 6 months of employment with a qualifying employer, instead of 12 months previously.
• Parents and carers previously employed in the industry will still need to show a minimum of 12 months employment with a qualifying employer, within the last 9 years.
  Check if your employer qualifies here

Why have we made this change?

• This is a positive change, enabling us to reach more industry families who could benefit from our help.
• We made this decision with parents and carers in mind, recognising the cost-of-life in the UK remains extremely challenging for families, particularly with recent fuel cost and energy rises. 
• By reducing the minimum length of trade connection to 6 months for current employees, we seek to help families before a personal financial crisis causes long-term financial difficulties, ultimately enabling children to have access to the everyday items they need to sleep, learn and flourish.  

FAQ's

• If I applied before, but my trade connection was too short, can I apply again if I meet your new criteria?
  Yes, you can apply again if you now meet our new criteria. 
  
  

• What happens if I have worked for less than 6 months, can I still apply?
  No, I am afraid if you have worked for less than 6 months for a qualifying employer, you wouldn't be able to apply yet. However, we do encourage parents and carers who meet our criteria to set a reminder in their diary, when 6 months once you have reached the 6 month point, to see if you could still apply.  

• I have worked for 6 months but it was in the past, can I still apply? 
  Unfortunately if you are no longer employed in the industry, you would need to have worked for at least 12 months with a qualifying employer to apply. This employment can be split across two employment histories, for example:
  • You have worked for one employer for 6 months and another employer for 6 months and use both employment histories to apply. Check whether you employer is eligible, here.  
    
    
• What other criteria do I need to meet to apply?  
  Aside from working for a qualifying employer, parents and carers applying for our grants must have children aged 0-18 years and be facing financial difficulties due to a recent change in circumstances or ongoing challenges at home. Find out more about our criteria here.  

Don’t work in fashion or textiles?

If you have never worked for a UK fashion or textile company, unfortunately we won't be the right charity for you. Please try this list of other charities who might be able to help your family.

Related FTCT support

You might also be interested in:

• What we do and how to apply for a grant
• Items we fund https://www.ftct.org.uk/FAQs/what-we-can-fund
• Real stories from families we’ve helped https://www.ftct.org.uk/Blogs/real-stories
• Check if your employer is eligible https://www.ftct.org.uk/employers-list