POS Group in Motherwell, Viridor Materials Recycling Facility, Bargeddie and Routes to Work have all received the Gold award for their commitment to high standards of excellence.

The charter is based around four commitments by employers: to pay all staff the Real Living Wage; employ North Lanarkshire residents; use local businesses in the supply chain where possible; and ensure fair work practices which attract and retain employees.

Businesses which achieve two or more of these commitments receive a bronze, silver or gold accreditation. Membership of the charter is free. northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk/the-nl-employer-charter/

Provost Kenneth Duffy visited the companies to present them with the Employer Charter.

“Congratulations to everyone involved on achieving the Gold award, which recognises their commitment to investing in employees, being a positive employer and a responsible business,” said Councillor Duffy.

“The Employer Charter delivers benefits for both employers and employees as well as supporting our continuing work to develop a sustainable, diverse economy in North Lanarkshire.”

POS Group, Motherwell are a leading sustainable supplier of workwear, office interiors, print and design solutions, office supplies, hygiene and PPE, waste management, telecoms and utilities.

They distribute across the UK and Mainland Europe directly from their base in North Lanarkshire and work in partnership with clients to effectively manage their carbon footprint. Their core value is to offer the best customer service possible, which they deliver by conducting a complete analysis of their client’s business needs, whilst offering low-cost alternatives, eliminating time consuming procedures and minimising waste.

POS also raise money for charities and excess stock, such as PPE and office supplies, is donated to local charities, local schools and churches. The company give presentations to school pupils and college students about their industry and career opportunities.

Viridor Materials Recycling Facility, Bargeddie processes and separates residual waste from five local authorities to recover or recycle as much as possible. Around 190kt of waste is saved from landfill each year and some of the waste is converted into green electricity.

This work is part of the £700 million 25-year Clyde Valley Residual Waste contract signed in 2016. The company strives to develop and deliver innovative ways to reduce, reuse, recycle or recover energy from the day-to-day things residents put into their bins.

Viridor Bargeddie carry out school visits offering employability workshops, information sessions and assemblies, as well as supporting the council’s Developing the Young Worlforce initiative. Staff are offered the opportunity to volunteer with local charities during work hours and the team also take pride in raising money for charities, through events like the 10K Nite Light Dark Run. 

Routes to Work are a registered charity offering a free, confidential service helping unemployed residents to access opportunities in employment, education and training.

They provide advice, information, guidance and practical support to develop and enhance the employment prospects of their clients, through outreach and at their local bases in Bellshill, Coatbridge, Airdrie and Wishaw.

Each client’s journey is unique and a one-to-one approach is adopted with each person, to remove barriers and move them on their route back into employment. The hard work and dedication of all staff makes real difference to their clients and communities across North Lanarkshire.