An industry first
As part of the Compass Group UK&I family, we’re proud to offer our female colleagues at 14forty a unique, functional maternity jacket that launched earlier this year; a specially designed, industry-first uniform that provides proper support, fit and function for female colleagues throughout pregnancy and beyond.
The design
Led by our Women in Food community and tried and tested by pregnant chefs across the business, the team worked with respected fashion designer Lynda Yong for over a year to perfect the design, health and safety specifications, comfort, fit and practicalities of the jacket. This has ensured the garment meets the needs of pregnant chefs and frontline female colleagues at 14forty and across Compass Group.
Designed for working women, this functional garment has tailored arms and popper fastenings for health and safety, an elasticated lining to allow for pregnancy growth, and functionality that lends itself to feeding or pumping, if needed.
The features
It’s made with a unique lightweight material that helps dissipate heat and promotes airflow. It maintains the wearer’s body temperature at 37.5°C, making it suitable not only for pregnant colleagues but for those returning to work postpartum and anyone working through perimenopause and menopause.
Gemma Evans-Hurley, Chair of Women in Food commented:
“At Compass, when we’re presented with a problem, we don’t rest until we find a solution. We identified that, across our industry, the maternity uniforms available for pregnant and postpartum colleagues were not enabling them to bring their best selves to work every day.
For years, pregnant women have simply sized-up their uniform, which isn’t comfortable or flattering, with restricted movement making everyday tasks more challenging. Our Compass-designed solution is a gamechanger.”
Women in Food
Our Women in Food community launched in 2016 to support female chefs within the business and across the wider industry. The network’s remit has now widened to support all roles and functions, with the objectives of raising awareness of issues and campaigns impacting female employees, driving career progression and development and creating a space where everyone can thrive and share ideas and experiences. The network also supported the creation of Compass’ Menopause policy.