Morrisons has become the first grocery chain to introduce a new toilet rule across all of its hundreds of supermarkets in the UK. The retailer, which operates nearly 500 stores nationwide, has confirmed the installation of male sanitary bins in customer toilets at every location, according to Express.co.uk.
The Bog Standard Guidelines
By implementing this change, Morrisons states it has become the first supermarket to meet 'The Bog Standard' guidelines, created by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK. These guidelines aim to educate organisations on providing essential support for men with incontinence, including many who have undergone life-saving prostate cancer treatment.
Customer Feedback and Commitment to Accessibility
Morrisons said it pursued the rollout based on customer feedback, alongside its broader commitment to continuously improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers. Earlier this year, the supermarket introduced stoma-friendly toilets across all its stores, as well as NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help people spot possible cancer symptoms early. Both initiatives were supermarket firsts.
Previously, Morrisons also launched Sensory Support Boxes, developed with the National Autistic Society, to improve the shopping experience for customers with autism.
Prostate Cancer Statistics
Morrisons notes that one in eight men will get prostate cancer, and the risk doubles to one in four for Black men. However, early diagnosis can make the disease curable. Up to 60% of men who undergo radical prostatectomy may experience urinary incontinence. Despite this, suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain limited, causing men to miss out on everyday activities.
Scope of the Rollout
The installation does not apply to Morrisons Daily convenience stores, as not all of them have toilets.
Statements from Morrisons and Prostate Cancer UK
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, added: '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.'
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been approached for comment.
