Food business Kellogg has introduced a new domestic abuse policy, which includes an array of workplace support for impacted employees.
The organisation, which employs more than 1,360 staff at its Manchester head office and Trafford and Wrexham factories, now offers an additional 10 days of paid leave, access to a free 24-hour confidential counselling service, flexible working arrangements and financial help for an initial legal support meeting.
It will also provide a one-off payment for expenses and costs incurred for setting up a new bank account, or any other activity that provides employees suffering domestic abuse with financial security.
The new policy applies to all employees regardless of their length of service. There is no application process and any related leave taken will not be detailed in employees’ personal records. Kellogg consulted with TLC: Talk, Listen, Change on the implementation of the policy.
Tammy Winnie, vice-president for HR, Kellogg Europe said: “At Kellogg, we are committed to creating a seat at the table for everyone and as part of this, supporting all employees who have or are experiencing violence by providing a safe and secure work environment. We understand that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse and that it can severely impact someone’s confidence, self-esteem and capability at work.
“As an employer, we hope that by creating a workplace culture where domestic abuse survivors feel safe, it will empower them to seek the help they need with appropriate support. The domestic abuse policy is one of a number of policies we have introduced to promote the total health of our employees.”
Earlier this year, Kellogg announced it was removing the requirement for prospective employees to have a degree when applying for a role to become a more inclusive employer. It also offers employee policies that focus on the menopause, pregnancy loss and fertility treatment, which was introduced in 2019.