Morrisons customers have given their opinion as the supermarket revealed it has introduced a new toilet rule in its stores. The retailer operates just under 500 outlets throughout the country.
New Toilet Policy Across All UK Stores
Morrisons has this week become the first supermarket chain to introduce a new toilet policy across its UK stores. The retailer, which operates just under 500 outlets throughout the country, has announced the installation of male sanitary bins in customer toilets across every single one of its supermarkets nationwide.
In doing so, Morrisons says it has become the first supermarket to meet "The Bog Standard" guidelines, designed by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK to educate organisations on providing essential support for men with incontinence, including many who have undergone life-saving prostate cancer treatment. The supermarket says it acted on customer feedback, "alongside its broader commitment to continuously improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers."
Customer Reactions
The announcement has been warmly received by shoppers online, with many saying the same thing – "well done" to Morrisons.
One customer wrote: "My father needed such facilities after having a stoma for stage 4 bowel cancer, it used to be really hard to find the facilities needed. Well done Morrisons."
Another added: "At last, a sensible move. In Morrisons, Bridport, a desperate guy used to put his incontinence pad down the loo. It was blocked for two days at a time. So good thinking at last."
A third commented: "As I have bladder cancer, can only say well done Morrisons. The fact you are making this facility available is a tribute to you." Another user added: "A small move which will improve the lives of many. Well done Morrisons."
Rollout Details
The rollout doesn't apply to the brand's convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Dailys have toilets.
David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said: "We are proud to be the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard guidelines in every one of our stores. By listening to our customers and working closely with both organisations, we recognise the challenges many men face when living with incontinence. Providing appropriate facilities across all Morrisons stores is an important step in helping customers feel more confident and supported when out and about, while also improving access to suitable facilities nationwide."
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men's loos. It's causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going out, heading to work or even doing the things they love. Morrisons is making its stores more welcoming and accessible for every employee and customer and we hope other companies will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they're using toilets in public spaces."
Previous Initiatives
This latest initiative follows Morrisons previously rolling out stoma-friendly toilets across all its supermarkets back in March this year. The retailer also introduced new NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help customers identify potential cancer symptoms as early as possible - both of which were reported to be supermarket firsts.
Prior to this, Morrisons also launched Sensory Support Boxes, developed in partnership with the National Autistic Society, to enhance the shopping experience for those living with autism.
