THE town’s MP has paid a purr-fect visit to a store.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller visited the Basingstoke Pets at Home store, in Hatch Warren Retail Park, to hear more about the company, the facilities at the store, and the ways in which it supports women in work, both in its retail business and also its veterinary group.

The MP was welcomed by senior staff in the company and at the store before being given a tour of the venue.

Mrs Miller was told about training and progression for staff, the company’s HR policies to support mothers, including shared parental leave, and their female leadership development programme.

Mrs Miller said: “I was pleased to visit Pets at Home in Hatch Warren and learn more about the store and the services it offers, including a full veterinary practice.

“It was interesting to hear about the company’s HR policies, including flexible working and a programme of bringing female vets back into the workplace after significant career breaks. It is good to see these practices adopted by a Basingstoke employer.”

Louise Stonier, chief people and legal officer at Pets at Home, said: “We’re very proud of the work-life balance that we offer colleagues throughout the Pets at Home group.

“At the Vets4Pets surgery in our Basingstoke store, four of our vets and three of our nurses are mums with flexible working patterns.

“We want to ensure that everyone who works with us feels free and confident to make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their careers.”