A Somerset-based hardware supplier has introduced a pay rise for its employees at entry level in addition to a number of new policies.
Toolstation, a supplier of tools, accessories and building supplies, based in Bridgwater, will increase pay for its 5,500 colleagues by 9.4%. The hourly rate for entry level staff will increase to £10.60.
Jag Nagra, human resources director for Toolstation, said: "We’re a business that cares about our colleagues and this investment recognises their hard work and is designed to support them with the rising costs they face.
"We have also introduced a series of policies designed to promote wellbeing and provide support for different life events. These initiatives are integral to our ambition to create a workplace that supports colleagues in moments that matter and may have an impact on their working lives."
Read more: Lush Cosmetics increases UK pay by over 10% as inflation soars
In addition, the firm said that it will introduce a number of policies to promote positive emotional wellbeing at work, such as a network of trained mental-health first aiders and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. Toolstation recently made the Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace App available to all colleagues.
Other policies include flexible working for colleagues, readjusted maternity and paternity leave, plus additional leave for new parents and those undergoing IVF treatment, in addition to those adopting or involved with surrogacy. The company will also give two weeks of paid leave for those affected by miscarriage and two days paid leave for affected partners.
A Trans and Gender Reassignment policy will support colleagues going through the process of transitioning, provide single sex spaces and use of non-gendered terminology. Plus the firm will introduce menopause measures.
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