There are few silver linings to today’s Coronavirus crisis but there’s a heroic effort being made by a short let accommodation service in London.

UnderTheDoormat, like many other short let providers, has suffered a sharp downturn in bookings so is going to open some of its otherwise-empty properties to Key Workers, free of charge. 

Working with an laundry service called Laundryheap, the offer is for Key Workers who want to stay close to their place of work or away from the rest of their families to reduce possible infection.

UnderTheDoormat chief executive Merilee Karr says: “Our mission is to utilise empty homes across London and, whilst many of our paying guests are unable to book with us because of the travel restrictions, we want to make sure that these empty homes are put to good use.

“We hope that, by offering them the chance to stay in a centrally located London home, it will allow them to stay in a safe place close to their place of work. We also plan to ensure we give them the UnderTheDoormat service – including quality linens and towels – so they can come home to comfort at the end of a long day.”

UnderTheDoormat has a supply of 300 homes across London, ranging from one bed apartments to large family homes.