Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, recently visited Sainsbury’s on Clacton High Street.
Giles was invited to have a tour of the store by Department Manager Paul Cole and Linda Crisp. Giles was not only shown around the shop floor, he was also taken behind the scenes which enabled him to appreciate all that goes on into running a supermarket, from where deliveries arrive and stock is stored to the staff canteen. During the visit Giles was told all about the fantastic work Sainsbury’s carry out supporting local charities and worthwhile causes.
Not only do the supermarket chain take their social responsibility extremely seriously, they also carry out great work within the store. The staff within the store recently raised money to sponsor a guide dog that was named after a store colleague who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. Lambert is currently in training and once successfully completed he will become a fully qualified Guide Dog for the Blind.
In addition, the store staff are due to carry out a sponsored cycle outside the High Street store to raise money for Royal National Lifeboat Institution. During the event, all participants will dress in nautical attire!
Furthermore, Sainsbury’s want to ensure that all their staff feel safe in the work place and they have created a board where staff sign a pledge which demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that nobody is made to feel victimised, bullied or excluded in the work place, this fosters an inclusive working environment. If any colleague witnesses any behaviour that is not in keeping with this ethos, they have pledged to report the incident.
Giles said
“I had a really enjoyable visit to Sainsbury’s. It was really interesting learning about everything that goes in to running a successful supermarket.
Not only did I learn more about the commercial operation, I was blown away by the family environment there was amongst colleagues. Everyone I met genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs and the commitment they have to supporting great causes is admirable.
Not only do the staff create a fantastic working environment, they also create a safe working environment where inclusion is the forefront of colleagues’ minds, ensuring everyone is safe and comfortable whilst at work. It is a really happy environment.
I want to thank Paul, Linda and all the team for showing me around the store, and I would also like to thank them for my first mince pie of the year!.”