National DIY business B&Q have shown their support for a new programme that offers a lifeline to workers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who suffer abuse at home.
Businesses across Staffordshire are now able to sign-up to the scheme which is part of ongoing work by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to offer better service and support for victims of domestic abuse.
It is being spearheaded by deputy PCC Sue Arnold and will be officially launched at two events in January which all businesses are invited to.
All regional B&Q stores have agreed to sign up to the policy which will see a nominated individual from each store receive free training via Staffordshire Women’s Aid to become a Domestic Abuse Champion. The champion will commit to taking steps to support staff in abusive relationships and make sure victims are aware that help is available. Managers will be encouraged to spot tell-tale signs of abuse and give practical and confidential guidance to staff.
Domestic abuse is estimated to cost the economy £23 billion a year including £1.7 billion for employers alone – with an estimated 12.9 million incidents of domestic violence against women each year and 2.5 million against men. That’s one in every four women and one in every six men. Introducing an effective workplace policy and practice will be a good investment to retain skilled and experienced staff.
Mrs Arnold said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims and can affect the whole of their lives – including their work. Victims are likely to suffer in silence for a long time before talking to anyone about what they are going through.
“However, managers and colleagues at work may notice changes in their behaviour – such as problems with concentration, anxiety, dips in work quality, regularly arriving late or leaving early – which could signal abuse at home.
“By signing up, businesses will go public with their commitment to tackling domestic abuse and show a clear commitment to supporting staff who are victims in a sensitive way.
“We’ve made it as easy as possible for businesses to get involved by researching and writing the programme and will also provide training. B&Q employees over 30,000 people nationwide so I am really pleased to have them involved and we are excited about the life-line this will offer to victims in businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
Store HR Partner Claire Goadsy said: “At B&Q our core purpose, Better Homes, Better Lives, is a guiding principle that applies across everything we do. Outwardly, our business focuses in on improving our customers lives through providing the materials and products to enable the home to be that sanctuary of calm and tranquillity, where people unwind and rejuvenate, away from the stresses of everyday life.
“With our core purpose in mind, as a business we understand the overwhelming impact of negativity within a home environment. As our staff are our most important asset, it is important for us to ensure that all of our colleagues have access to support, enabling them to overcome obstacles and grow within themselves and our team.
“With people are at the heart of our business, working with Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Women’s Aid on this initiative will enable us to simplify the support that we offer our colleagues who experience domestic abuse. This will not only improve the personal quality of life for our team members but also enable us to retain employees with valuable skills and experience within our organisation.”
To find out more about how your business can support domestic abuse victims at work, please book to attend a breakfast launch event via
www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/
Events will take place at:
- Monday 12 January – Drayton Manor, Nr Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW.
- Wednesday 14 January – Britannia Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way,
Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4EG.
Businesses will also benefit from the new Business Crime Matters strategy which is being delivered by Mrs Arnold on behalf of the PCC to beat business crime and help promote economic growth.
