Workforce
Tereos had 16,851 permanent employees at 31 December 2010, representing an overall increase of 24% compared with the previous year. This significant increase reflects the development of cane-growing activities, with the acquisition of two facilities in Brazil and the takeover of the Quartier Français group in Reunion. With the exception of a reduction in the headcount in Mozambique, the situation is perfectly stable in terms of both the sugar beet and grain business lines.
Since Tereos' activities are mainly seasonal, the Group employs more than 12,000 seasonal staff each year.
Training
While the average age of permanent staff has fallen, confirming the vitality of its recruitment processes, the employment of seniors represents a core concern for the Group in Europe. The sugar beet processing business in France has rolled out an agreement covering the hiring of staff over the age of 50 and the adaptation of working conditions for the over 55s. In addition, Tereos France has signed a forward-looking career and skills management agreement, putting in place a professions and employment observatory and setting out the points for the policy to develop skills within Tereos France.
Redistributing Tereos Guarani's agricultural staff in industrial professions
With the development of mechanical harvesting, Tereos Guarani has put in place a transition program for agricultural staff to change over to industrial professions. This training program is supported by Unica, the Brazilian sugar cane industry association, in partnership with industrial players from this sector. In total, 160 employees have been trained up by the Senai industrial training office on new professions, such as mechanics, electricians, welders or drivers. 24 of them have already started in their new positions. The others are finalizing their training program and will quickly be able to work in their new roles.
Health and safety
Tereos is committed to ensuring a high level of safety for its staff. Over and above complying with legal requirements, safety is organized with a view to preventing risks at all times. Specific programs are implemented, geared to all the levels within the company. These measures aim to develop a safety culture which employees apply not only at work, but also outside of the company.
A program to raise awareness among staff and members of the community on the risks relating to AIDS has been carried out for several years now. Each month, 5,000 people receive information on a given subject (sexually transmitted diseases, advice on voluntary testing, etc.) during around 50 information sessions organized by specialized community workers locally. More than 4,000 people took part in the test campaign carried out in 2010. Tereos' subsidiary in Mozambique - Companhia de Sena - has been awarded the leading national award (Grand Prix National) for the fight against AIDS by the country's President.
As far as malaria is concerned, the buildings and houses at the Marromeu sugar-producing complex are treated each month in order to reduce the risks.
