Toolstation is extending the pay and benefits offered to its 5,500 UK employees.
The building tools and accessories supplier, which has more than 550 stores nationally, is giving staff a 9.4% wage increase as well as enhancing a number of its pay and leave policies.
Entry-level employees, including those in store and operational positions, will see their hourly rate rise to £10.60.
In addition to the pay boost, the business has enhanced policies for new parents, offering 26 weeks of leave on full pay, followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay for maternity, adoption, or surrogacy and two weeks of paid paternity leave. They also have an extra 10 days of emergency leave in the first two years of birth and in the same period can take one week of additional paid leave.
The company is also now offering two days of paid leave for people undergoing fertility treatment. Those affected by miscarriage are able to take two weeks of paid leave, while partners can take two days on full pay. A trans and gender reassignment policy has been implemented to support workers who are transitioning, while a new menopause policy offers adjustments and help for those experiencing menopausal symptoms.
To help staff with their mental wellbeing, Toolstation has set up a network of trained mental-health first aiders and a round-the-clock employee assistance programme so that its workforce can have support available whenever they need it. Employees who have been with the business for at least 13 weeks can request flexible working.
Jag Nagra, HR 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.”
The company recently launched the Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace App for employees, which includes access to a health check every year, a digital GP service, a second medical opinion, and consultations on mental health and nutrition.
