City Building checks for staff

WORKERS with one of Glasgow's biggest employers are being offered free health checks.

City Building has introduced lifestyle screenings for its 2200 staff and is pledging to help smokers kick the habit.

From blood pressure to cholesterol, the 20-minute audits will create a general health profile of each worker who volunteers to participate in the scheme.

Every candidate is being asked to give honest responses to a range of questions on everything from diet to alcohol.

And there will be incentives offered to staff who want to embrace a permanently healthier way of life. They will get the chance to win free monthly passes to city gyms and cash help towards the cost of nicotine patches if they wish to quit smoking.

Corporate director Steven Kelly said the free screenings were designed to "maximise attendance" even though the firm's absentee rate is just 3.5%.

He insisted: "It is a full health check. It is encouraging our trainees and our staff to stay fit and active."

Eating and drinking habits will be examined in detail as part of rigorous checks.

"If there are any problems then we may get the employee referred on," added Steven.

"The whole idea is to tap into the West of Scotland culture in terms of diet and to get the workforce to take a long-term view in terms of a healthier lifestyle.

"People don't go to the doctor to ask for a health check, so we are bringing annual check-ups to the workplace.

"We will encourage them to stay fit with prize draws, which could include free gym membership for a month, and we would look at making a contribution - perhaps 50% - towards the cost of nicotine patches for smokers who want to quit.

"We might also look at smoking cessation classes. So far we have had a reasonable response.

"But this is a long-term commitment and I would expect more staff to take up the offer of a free lifestyle screening in the coming years."

City Building provides training in construction skills from bricklaying to joinery. It is Glasgow City Council's former direct labour organisation and is one of the country's biggest training providers.

Link: www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1811165.0.free_health_screening_for_city_firms_2200_workers.php