Premier Foods introduces modern working policies

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Food business Premier Foods has launched two new modern working policies this month that have been designed to support its office-based and manufacturing employees going through life-changing events.

One of the policies will enable staff going through the menopause, medical treatment relating to gender reassignment or fertility treatment to take uncapped paid time off. The business will also provide training for its more than 4,000 workers on transgender inclusivity and the menopause. The training, which will be delivered by the menopause experts at the organisation, aims to better support and educate all of its workers on the topics.

Additionally, Premier Foods has launched a parental network as part of its other new policy, which aims to support new parents or parents-to-be. Employees and their families will have access to three 1:1 maternity coaching sessions and enter into an optional Buddy Scheme to help them transition back into work after parental leave. Staff can discuss their experiences and challenges confidentially and have access to online training and resources through the network.

David Wilkinson, group HR director at Premier Foods, said: “As the workplace and our workforce constantly evolves, it’s important that our policies reflect these changes and help us support our staff through whatever they may be facing.

“Last year we launched a flexible working policy under the theme of modern working and although they’re all different topics within their own right, the launch of our menopause and transgender policies, as well as our new parental network, all form part of a bigger picture, which is to champion modern ways of working. Together, they form part of our wider ambition to create an inclusive place of work, where life events don’t become barriers to people reaching their potential.”

Sarah Robb, foodservice channel marketing manager at Premier Foods, added: “Not everyone is going to feel comfortable talking about personal issues like the menopause but raising awareness of these major life events and creating an environment where people can if they want to, is so important if we’re to hold on to great talent.”