McVitie’s owner Pladis has signed a pledge to change how it and its staff think and act about mental health.

Pladis, the biscuits and confectionery company that also owns brands including Jacob’s and Carr’s, signed an employer pledge with Time to Change this week to commit to change attitudes to mental health in the workplace.

Set up by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Time to Change aims to create a positive shift in public attitudes towards mental health problems. Pladis joins companies, NHS trusts, universities and local authorities, in making this commitment to improve employee mental health.

Pladis has mental health and wellbeing ambassadors at all 13 of its sites across the UK and Ireland. The company will also provide mental health awareness training and workplace stress guidance for managers and senior leadership teams. In addition, Pladis offers access to a 24/7 confidential telephone support line and counselling for employees and their families.

Jon Eggleton, Pladis managing director for UK & Ireland, signed the pledge at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Hayes, Middlesex this week.

 “As a business, we are committed to offering our employees a safe, inclusive and happy work environment,” he said. “Mental health is a big part of our agenda and we are determined to do our part to ensure all our employees are well supported and have equal opportunities.”

Sue Baker OBE, director of Time to Change, added: “Every person’s attitude makes a difference, so it’s fantastic to see companies like Pladis taking the lead and making a commitment that will ultimately help to improve its productivity and staff retention and create a happy and engaged workforce.”