Gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities is marking National Carers Week 2017 by launching its first ever Carers Policy.
The policy is designed to make the support available to carers more visible to colleagues working operationally and in back office roles.
The company, which manages and maintains the gas network across Wales and the south west of England, is committed to supporting colleagues wellbeing at home as well as in work and the policy outlines the new, innovative support the company can provide to its 1,300 colleagues.
Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director said:
“We’re really proud to be one of the first utility companies to launch a Carers Policy. We understand that caring responsibilities can have a substantial impact on colleagues – and as an employer we’re committed to supporting our colleagues’ wellbeing at home and in work. We hope that our new policy – setting out what support carers can get and where they can get it from - can help our colleagues to meet their caring commitments and continue to keep working healthily and productively.”
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to organise activities and events throughout the UK, drawing attention to just how important caring is.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving Wales and the south west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.