Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

How employers can help tackle obesity in the workforce - obesity week - 11-17 March.....

PRESS INFORMATION - press enquiries to Sam Dabbs on 07050 108985

DWF430/07
9 March 2007

With obesity in the workforce increasingly becoming an issue for employers, obesity awareness week (11 to 17 March) may be a good time to introduce new measures to help staff stay fit and healthy, says law firm DWF.

Nearly a quarter of people in Britain are now classed as clinically obese. Stephen Robinson of DWF says: “As the weight of the nation increases, obesity is no longer just an issue for the individual but is increasingly becoming a worry for employers. Being overweight may affect people’s capacity to do their job and have a negative effect on their general health, resulting in more days lost due to illness. The best long-term solution is for employers to take a lead in encouraging staff to stay fit and healthy.”

DWF suggests some practical steps employers can take:

•Consider offering subsidised gym membership as a perk of employment
•Encourage team-building sports – they are also good for maintaining workplace morale
•Install bike sheds and showers to encourage employees to walk, run or cycle to work.
•Offer weight loss and healthy eating advice
•Ensure healthy and low-fat options are on the menu in the staff canteen and in any vending machines
•Provide slimming clubs within the workplace to encourage and monitor employee weight
•Provide healthy options through a flexible benefits system such as yearly health check-ups.

Robinson adds: “Helping staff to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle will result in fewer absences and a more productive and efficient workforce.”


Notes to editors:

DWF is one of the fastest growing regional law firms in the UK and has recently merged with Ricksons. With over 800 people based in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Preston, DWF provides a range of services grouped under the following practice areas:

Corporate
Banking & Finance
Litigation
Real Estate
People
Insurance

DWF has developed extensive sector-specific expertise in a number of areas including: automotive, education, food and resourcing. Further information on DWF is available via www.dwf.co.uk

Media enquiries to:

Sam Dabbs
Dabbs PR & Marketing
Phone: 01939 210503 or 07050 108985
E: sam@dabbsprm.com