Manchester based e-tailer ISAWITFIRST are now offering employees half a day of paid leave so they can attend their smear test appointments. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s data shows that cervical screening (smear tests) prevent around 75% of cancers from starting, as the screening identifies people who are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Although these tests are important and potentially life-saving, many people struggle to fit their appointment around their busy lives and in some cases put it off. A new survey by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust found that 1 in 5 women and people with a cervix would use annual leave, take a sick day or even take unpaid time off to get their smear test*.
This newly launched initiative from ISAWITIFIRST simply asks employees to show HR the invitation to get their smear test, and the company will then arrange paid leave to attend the appointment. The brand hopes this will encourage its employees to get their cervical screenings without worrying about being able to fit it around their work schedule or having to use up their annual leave for what can be a life-saving appointment.
A spokesperson from ISAWITFIRST’s HR department said: “Cervical screening is the best protection against cervical cancer, at ISAWITFIRST we understand the importance of attending these routine screenings and hope providing extra paid leave will give employees the time and confidence to go to these potentially life-saving appointments.”
