Kellogg's announces new policy to support employees affected by domestic abuse

Among the measures, victims working for the company will be entitled to an additional 10 days' paid leave

Author: Alan Jones & Dan DaviesPublished 22nd Sep 2023

Food giant Kellogg's has announced a new domestic abuse policy, offering support to workers including extra paid leave.

The company said anyone suffering from the impact of domestic abuse will be entitled to an additional 10 days' paid leave, as well as financial help for an initial legal support meeting.

The business will also provide a one-off payment for expenses and costs incurred for setting up a new bank account, or any other activity that provides employees suffering domestic abuse with financial security.

The food company employs more than 1,360 people across the UK, at its head office in Manchester and its two factories based in Trafford and Wrexham, all of which will be covered by the new policy.

Kellogg's also provides access to a free 24-hour confidential counselling service and flexible working arrangements.

A Kellogg's employee who was a victim of domestic abuse and who wishes to remain anonymous said: "It took me a while to realise I was experiencing domestic abuse, but little by little your family and friends are not welcome in your home, you have no social life because going to visit them isn't an option and you become completely isolated.

"More and more frequently, you're told nothing you do is good enough and you're constantly walking on eggshells in your own home. If you don't do as they say, you provoke insults, anger and objects are thrown at you. Eventually, you are physically abused to the point where you fear for your life."

Michelle Hill, chief executive of the charity Talk, Listen, Change, said: "Kellogg's has created a supportive policy with key elements that will enable its staff to feel safe and confident in disclosing domestic abuse.

"The new domestic abuse policy not only commits to supporting employees, but also to increasing awareness of domestic abuse through resources.

"We know that the stress and trauma that come with domestic abuse have a profound effect on victim-survivors. Kellogg's has demonstrated, as an organisation, that they are committed to supporting victim-survivors to the best of their ability."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.