Sodexo becomes first in its industry to be named in the 2024 Social Mobility Employer Index

Sodexo UK & Ireland has become the first in its industry to be included in the Social Mobility Employer Index which was released yesterday by the Social Mobility Foundation.

The firm was named in the top 75 of the 2024 UK employers for actions that break down barriers to employment opportunities and improve socioeconomic diversity in the workplace.

Launched in 2017 the Index has become the authority on employer-led social mobility. The 2024 Index is in its eighth year and saw 150 organisations enter, accounting for the employment of just under one million people.

Mark Goodyer, HR Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “This is the first year we have featured in the top 75 and we will use this valuable ranking to continue to lead our industry on social mobility, making demonstrable and continued progress on areas such as recruitment, pay, progression and advocacy.”

“We truly believe that as an employer of over 30,000 people in the UK and Ireland we have the power to be a driver of social mobility – a force for good. Socio-economic diversity is essential to the success of any organisation. We know that a diverse workforce positively impacts on the services we deliver to our clients, and ensures our teams include individuals representing the communities in which we operate.

Sodexo has been long-time advocates of the opportunities that employment-based education can offer and has committed to consider all vacancies and job roles as apprenticeships wherever possible. This early career approach has led to the organisation welcoming individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and age groups who all offer different skills.

In 2025, to mark the tenth year since it first pledged commitments to positively impact its people, the planet, its partners and local communities, Sodexo UK and Ireland will publish a brand new social impact pledge outlining commitments to deliver tangible meaningful change.