UK port operator Peel Ports Group has launched a free prostate cancer testing initiative for all male staff, following a proposal from its employees.
The group has committed to invest in a testing programme, which will see prostate-specific antigen test kits be given to male staff at all its sites across the UK and Ireland. These will be provided in partnership with the The Errol McKellar Foundation, which offers support for those diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The programme will be officially launched at an event at the Port of Liverpool at the end of April. Campaigner Errol McKellar, who runs the foundation, will attend to share his story with staff to raise awareness of the illness.
The idea for the initiative was originally suggested by one of the group’s employees based at the Port of Liverpool. Support for this was provided by trade union Unite, which represents workers at the site.
David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “We’re very pleased to be offering free prostate cancer testing to all our male employees, especially since it’s been the result of an employee and union-led initiative. Our employees’ health and safety is our number one priority, and their input is essential to our efforts to make the group a great place to work, so it’s been fantastic to be able to turn this idea into a reality.”
Phil Clark, a technician at the Port of Liverpool and secretary of Unite’s Liverpool branch, added: “This is a hugely worthy initiative and shows what’s possible when employer, employees and unions collaborate to bring about positive change within organisations. Prostate cancer affects one in six men in the UK, and early diagnosis enables life-saving intervention, so it’s crucial that testing is widely available and accessible. We’re very grateful to the group and to the Errol McKellar Foundation for making this possible.”
