The group has a formal HIV/AIDS policy in place, aimed at combating the spread and minimising the impact of HIV/AIDS on our employees, their families, our customers and the community at large, through the provision of education and information about HIV/AIDS and the promotion of non-discriminatory practices. This policy has been communicated to all existing employees, is available on our intranet and is included in the sign-on pack for all new employees.
According to the risk assessment commissioned by the group and conducted by the Health Monitor Company in 2005, it was estimated that 6,86% of the company’s employees would be HIV positive in 2006 (for 2005, their estimate was 6,6%). Their estimated cost to the group associated with HIV infection amounted to an annual average cost of R11 000 per HIV-positive permanent, permanent part-time and flexitime employee per annum, equating to a total annual group cost of R8,8 million. This cost was based upon all potential incremental costs, including antiretroviral treatment, paid sick leave, funeral costs, lost productivity, increased group life and disability expenses, cost of training and lost expertise, additional cost of incapacity as well as general increased medical costs.
Experience to date has indicated that the actual cost to the group has been substantially less than predicted.
In an effort to minimise the impact of HIV upon our staff as well as the attendant costs to the group, the decision was taken to provide free access to testing, counselling, treatment and support to all employees. Encouraging employees to ascertain their HIV status will enable them to take responsibility for their health. Those employees whose status is negative will be encouraged to adopt safe behaviour to retain this status, whilst those that test HIV positive will be given access to the support and treatment they need to remain healthy and able to work productively for as long as possible.
Since 2005, HIV-positive employees who are members of the Foschini Group Medical Aid Scheme have had access to a full disease management service provided by a managed health-care provider. Employees who register on the programme receive free HIV testing, counselling, information and prophylactic medication, as well as antiretroviral therapy when required.
In September 2006, the group launched the first phase of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS workplace programme. The details of the programme were communicated to employees at all levels. In terms of the programme, all employees in South Africa are entitled to two free confidential HIV tests per annum through an external network of pharmacies managed by Occupational Care South Africa. HIV-positive employees who are employed on a full-time, permanent basis will be able to enrol in a comprehensive disease management service provided by QUALSA. This service provides for free treatment including antiretroviral therapy where indicated.
In order to monitor the success of the campaign, data from the various service providers is evaluated on a monthly basis.
Ongoing free on-site HIV counselling and testing continues to be available through the clinic at our Cape-based head office.
Phase two of the workplace programme will be rolled out during the next financial year. This phase will serve as a reminder to employees of the benefits available to them and to encourage them to access these benefits through various communication and education campaigns.
In addition, the first phase of a similar workplace programme for Namibia is planned for the second half of the 2008 financial year.
