New Directions Issues IVF Policy

Good afternoon,

Please find attached a press release regards an innovative policy announcement by leading Welsh recruitment agency New Directions.

The policy outlines support for employees undergoing IVF treatment.

The business leads the way for SME's across the UK for the introduction of this policy.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Ruth

Attachment: New Directions Holdings Logo
NEWS RELEASE: New Directions Holdings Ltd
Date of issue: 10 August 2012

New Directions Launches IVF Policy

A UK based SME has become one of the first recruitment and training providers to offer its employees an IVF policy. The New Directions group of companies who employ 130 staff across their offices in the UK will implement the policy from August 2012.

The policy, set out by Sophie Cecil, Group HR Director means that employees within the group will benefit from five days paid leave to receive treatment. Sophie comments 'This benefit was proposed by one of our employees and though we were initially sceptical about the potential financial implications of such a policy, we considered it in line with our newly established values and we felt we should respect and understand each individual's circumstances. Our mission is to be an employer of choice and as such this adds to the ever increasing benefits we provide at New Directions'.

Sophie has introduced a number of employee benefits since joining the company from the MITIE group of companies - a UK FTSE 250 business in January 2012

One in seven couples throughout the UK suffers with infertility issues. The move by New Directions was welcomed by the leading patient charity Infertility Network UK (I N UK) Deputy Chief Executive, Susan Seenan said: "Many companies sadly still see IVF as a lifestyle choice and don't offer time off for treatment despite infertility being classified as an illness. No one chooses to suffer from infertility and although we have come a long way since the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978 it is time for attitudes to change and we hope more companies will follow this example and support their employees through their treatment"

New Directions has eight offices across the UK with its head office in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The business started trading on 1999 and covers a diverse range of sectors including education, pharmacy, social care and domiciliary care. In recent years the group of companies have witnessed year on year growth of up to 30%.

New Directions is currently working towards the Investors in People (IIP) status.

E N D S

For more information contact Ruth Dalton on 07972 131381 or email ruth.dalton@new-directions.co.uk

Note to Editors
New Directions Holdings Ltd
New Directions Holdings Ltd is an independent provider of recruitment and training services. Operating across the UK in the following sectors: pharmacy, veterinary, corporate, training, social care, social housing, nursing and education.
The company employs in excess of 100 full time employees that maintain up to 2,500 temporary staff each week.
The New Directions group of companies experience annual turnover growth in excess of 30%, and is regarded as one of the fastest growing recruitment brands in the UK.
www.new-directions.co.uk