Co-op offers free flu jabs to 100,000 employees
The Co-operative Group is set to offer 100,000 of its employees, including 70,000 Co-operative Food staff, a free flu jab in what it claims is Europe’s largest ever private sector flu vaccination programme.
The staff, who work in more than 4,500 locations across the UK, will be offered the jab either at 42 workplace clinics or via 400 of The Co-operative Pharmacy’s branches.
The Co-operative said it will save at least £1 million a year if just 75% of its workforce takes up the offer.
Peter Marks, Group Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group, said: “The UK economy requires help to boost growth and output and our initiative is the kind of shot in the arm it needs.
“Reducing the costs and impact on business efficiency from workplace absenteeism is particularly important in these difficult economic times. Our leading approach to offer flu vaccinations to our staff makes business sense while improving the welfare of our employees.”
The Co-op said it estaimates that absenteeism from colds and flu costs UK businesses £1.1 billion.
