Peel Ports Group launches free prostate cancer testing for male employees across UK and Ireland sites

UK port operator Peel Ports Group has introduced a free prostate-specific antigen testing programme for all male employees across its sites in the UK and Ireland, in an initiative that originated from a staff proposal at its Port of Liverpool facility. The programme offers a practical example of employer-led preventive healthcare being driven from the workforce rather than from the top down.

Employee Benefits reported that the group will provide prostate-specific antigen test kits to male staff in partnership with the Errol McKellar Foundation, which supports individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. The programme will be officially launched at an event at the Port of Liverpool at the end of April, where campaigner Errol McKellar will attend to share his personal experience and raise awareness among staff.

The initiative was originally proposed by a Port of Liverpool employee and received backing from trade union Unite, which represents workers at the site, reflecting a collaborative approach between employer, employees, and union representatives.

David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, said: "Our employees' health and safety is our number one priority, and their input is essential to our efforts to make the group a great place to work, so it's been fantastic to be able to turn this idea into a reality."

Phil Clark, a technician at the Port of Liverpool and secretary of Unite's Liverpool branch, said: "This is a hugely worthy initiative and shows what's possible when employer, employees and unions collaborate to bring about positive change within organisations."

Clark noted that prostate cancer affects one in six men in the UK and that early diagnosis enables life-saving intervention, making widespread access to testing essential.

Discover the full initiative details and programme background.