Sodexo Launches 2021 Social Impact Pledge

Sodexo Launches 2021 Social Impact Pledge Sodexo UK & Ireland, the outsourced services contractor, has unveiled a series of pledges which it says forms part of its ethical manifesto.

The contractor’s pledges include giving away up to 25% of its apprentice levy to SME suppliers, enabling them to create 100 new apprenticeships; cutting food waste by 50% across all its sites by 2030; and ensuring 40% of the business’ spend is with SME and VCSE suppliers, which exceeds the Government’s target of £1 in every £3.



Sodexo said it is taking additional steps to provide its people with support, as well as helping those within its communities that need it most to secure suitable employment that could kickstart their career, help them retrain or take the first steps to long-term rehabilitation.

Bosses have committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 34% by 2025, in line with the Paris Agreement; moving to 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025; and to cut food waste by 50% across all its sites by 2030.

Sean Haley, Sodexo regional chair, UK & Ireland said that in 2019 the contractor fulfilled its commitments laid out in its ethical manifesto, exceeding what he said were ambitious targets. “You are, however, only as good as your last performance, so our challenge now is to continue to do even better,” said Haley. “Covid-19 has touched every aspect of our work and personal lives, so this year our pledges reflect the impact the pandemic has had, and directly contributes to improving the communities we work within.”

In December 2020 Sodexo published its 2019-20 ‘Social Impact Report’ outlining progress made on its commitments, these included: exceeding its target on recruiting ex-offenders into the business, with 67 new recruits; five years ahead of schedule, achieving its pledge on supporting SMEs with 44% of total spend going to SME suppliers; and surpassing its projection for creating new apprenticeship opportunities by over 250, with more than 1,100 apprentices on plan.

Sodexo Social Impact Pledge 2021