NWCR
Putting our region's cancer needs first

Wirral's Magenta Living Backs Sun Safety Pledge

Magenta Living, the largest registered housing provider in Wirral, has become one of the first major North West businesses to sign up to an annual sun safety awareness pledge this summer.

Magenta staff

The Birkenhead based organisation which employs over 500 staff – 200 of which work outdoors on a daily basis – is backing North West Cancer Research’s Sun Safety Pledge for the second consecutive year to encourage sun safety among its employees.

The joint initiative between Public Health Liverpool and North West Cancer Research has been designed to encourage employers to put outdoor worker’s safety front of mind by raising awareness of the importance of using adequate sun protection when working outside.

A toolkit to help employers educate employees is available to download online. Advice includes covering up and using sun cream between May and September when the rays from the sun are strongest, paying attention to ears, necks and lips. 

Employers such as Magenta Living are also encouraged to promote the use of sun protection and to provide protective clothing and sunscreen, as well as raise awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer and highlight the importance of early diagnosis with employees.

Magenta Living has now provided sun cream samples from the campaign’s sun cream partner SunSense UK for its 200 outdoor workers in all staff recreational areas.

Joanne Francom, Assistant Director of HR and Organisational Development at Magenta Living said: “This is the second year that we have supported the pledge and its been an invaluable initiative in educating our workforce on the symptoms of skin cancer and preventative measures.

“With almost half of our employees working outside on a daily basis, it is essential that they know the value of protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays that are present no matter what the weather.

“North West Cancer Research has provided us with awareness posters and leaflets to ensure employees are armed with potentially lifesaving information, as well as sun cream samples which are accessible to all our employees.

“Our employees health is of the upmost importance and we really value the second year of North West Cancer Research’s support and education.”

North West Cancer Research and Liverpool City Council are now hoping more businesses and organisations across the region will follow Magenta Living’s lead and sign up to the Sun Safety Pledge this summer.

Alastair Richards, CEO North West Cancer Research, said: “We already know that skin cancer rates are on the rise here in Merseyside and we want to ensure the messages relating to sun protection are reaching those most at risk and that includes people who work outdoors.

“Magenta Living is one of the largest employers in the Wirral and by backing the pledge for a second year, it is rewarding to know that our sun safety message will be reaffirmed amongst their outdoor workers.

“Over exposure to UV rays can be harmful and we want employers and employees to get the message about the importance of sun protection when at work.”

Sandra Davies, Director Public Health Liverpool, added: “Sun protection is vital in combatting the high rates of skin cancer diagnosis in the region, and it is something that employers should support, and employees should have access to while at work. Last year several businesses across the North West signed up to join the pledge and we hope to see it have an even bigger impact this year.”

Sign up to the Pledge and get the Sun Safety Toolkit

Click Here