Sodexo Signs Up To C-19 Business Pledge

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28 April 2020 | Updated 07 May 2020

Sodexo has signed the C-19 Business Pledge, a national scheme encouraging employers to join the Coronavirus effort by pledging to help their employees, customers and communities during this crisis. 

The scheme was created by former Cabinet minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison.

Signatory organisations give their backing to the three main objectives of the pledge which are built around employees, customers and communities.

“With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the UK, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions. But those organisations who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.”

–Rt Hon Justine Greening

Former Cabinet Minister

Bespoke catering, concierge and security services

Sodexo has already been part of the industry-wide response to COVID-19 in the UK from the early stages. 

At the end of January Sodexo mobilised, within 48 hours, the bespoke catering, concierge and security services for the first British Coronavirus evacuees returning from Wuhan, China. Working closely with the NHS team, Public Health England, the local authority and the police,  teams provided services for the guests 24 hours a day throughout their 14-quarantine period at Arrow Park hospital, the Wirral.

Sodexo has confirmed its support for all its employees and continues to redeploy teams to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak including at drive through COVID-19 testing centres.

As a partner to the Department for Health and Social Care, Sodexo has been working with Boots and Deloitte to set up the drive-through testing centres for NHS and other key workers. The centres are providing vital testing on an appointment-only basis for self-isolating NHS and key workers, or symptomatic members of their family. Individual NHS Trusts are selecting and contacting their workers to arrange appointments.

Sodexo has this week also started supporting one of the new Nightingale Hospitals.

Sharing expertise

Sean Haley, regional chair at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “I am immensely proud of how our teams and the wider industry have come together to share our expertise and work in partnership with the NHS to fight the threat posed by COVID-19.  

"It has never been more apparent that our business lives and breathes its values. I applaud colleagues for moving across to use their skills in a hospital or other healthcare environments that urgently need their help right now. Today, we are all working together to help in the effort to fight COVID-19. We stand ready to respond to further requests for support as the pandemic unfolds.” 

Justine Greening said: “With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the UK, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions. But those organisations who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.

“I'm delighted that Sodexo has signed the Pledge. Like lots of employers, they have already shown amazing initiative and commitment to helping people affected by Coronavirus and I hope many more will be inspired to do the same. 

“The C-19 Business Pledge is all about encouraging as many businesses and universities as possible to get involved and then helping them do that faster and better by sharing all the great work that’s already been done."

250 organisations have now signed the pledge, collectively employing almost 3 million people.  More information can be found here.

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Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 28 April 2020

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