EIGHT Worcestershire companies have received level 1 and 2 accreditations from Worcestershire Works Well, a scheme aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of employees.

Over the last seven years, more businesses have completed accreditation, with the free scheme that aims to support businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Accreditations were awarded at the Worcestershire Works Well's bi-annual event at the Mercure Hotel in Kidderminster.

The latest companies to receive accreditation are Hewett Recruitment, St Richard’s Hospice, Cytoplan, Fortis Living and Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire received certificates, for level one accreditation, and Mainstay, Malvern Hills District Council and The Phoenix Group for level two accreditation.

Sharon Smith, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce as well as Karen Wright, public health consultant at Worcestershire County Council both supported the event.

The event also saw the launch of the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2017, sponsored by Southco. Last year the award was won by Worcester based Titania for their lifesaving Heart Safe Campaign which was established to raise awareness of cardiac arrests and train people from across the community.

Dawn Hardman, director of HR at the chamber and steering group member for Worcestershire Works Well, said:

“Health and Wellbeing is of significant importance in the workplace and it is brilliant to see so many local companies getting on board.

"A healthy workforce leads to a healthy business by reducing absenteeism, improving productivity and employee happiness.

"I am delighted to see a growing number of Worcestershire businesses passionate about caring for their employees and really going the extra mile.”

To find out more about Worcestershire Works Well visit worcestershireworkswell.co.uk.