Future’s employees are our most important assets; they are the driving force behind our success as a business.
Diversity and opportunity:
Future has robust policies in place to ensure there is no discrimination against potential or existing employees. All Group companies have a formal equal opportunities policy, which does not discriminate among employees and potential employees on the grounds of age, colour, race, ethnic or natural origin, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, religious beliefs or disability.
If an employee became disabled whilst in employment and, as a result was unable to perform their duties, we would make every effort to offer suitable alternative employment and assistance with re-training.
Developing our people:
Training needs are identified as part of each employee’s annual performance appraisal. 65% of the UK workforce have to date completed an appraisal in 2009 (2008: 84%).
In 2009 we ran skills training for our publishing teams, advertising and central support departments. In-house training sessions provide training for editors on commissioning, libel, defamation and copyright as well as new software applications. We also provided online training, covering the key disciplines of online content development.
Internal communication:
Future has policies on employee communication, acceptable use of IT, health and safety, whistle-blowing and a commitment to diversity and opportunity. We run free confidential employee helplines.
In addition, we hold at least annual company meetings for all employees, and extended leadership team meetings where we discuss the financial performance of the Company. Future UK also has an Employee Involvement Group, which allows employees to contribute to strategic-level decision making. Future’s lively culture is echoed in our Company intranets and via our printed monthly internal magazine which updates employees on industry and business news, and celebrates team successes.
Health and safety:
The health and safety of all employees is a key priority for the Group. Future is largely an office-based environment. All companies across the Group comply with relevant legislation and we communicate our health and safety policy to all employees.
During the year to 30 September 2009, there were no fatalities; no serious injuries; 18 minor injuries in the UK and one minor injury in the US.
