Sodexo reveals new employee relief programme in response to Covid-19 pandemic

Sodexo has revealed a new employee relief programme in response to the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the globe.

It comes after the catering company closed down sites, lowered service frequency and canceled some services in response to the outbreak.

It added that this would regrettably result in a reduction of its workforce and for this reason has decided to establish a global ‘Sodexo Employee Relief Program’ to help on-site staff impacted by this.

According to Sodexo, the global programme will be administered locally according to the “specific needs of each country” and support provided will depend on various factors, including the existence of government social protection schemes.

The €30m (£26m) programme will be funded by senior executives and the company as follows:

• Sodexo chairwoman of the board of directors Sophie Bellon will waive 50% of her remuneration over the coming six months
• Group CEO Denis Machuel will waive 50% of his fixed remuneration over the next six months as well as his variable remuneration for Fiscal 2020,
• Group executive committee members will give up 10% of their fixed remuneration over the coming six months as well as their annual variable remuneration,
• The 200 senior executives from all segments and operations around the world will also waive their annual variable remuneration.

Sean Haley, region chair, Sodexo UK and Ireland said: “As we navigate the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic, our focus is on the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues.

“Many continue to work supporting critical sites, delivering vital services that support the national effort, and they all have our utmost respect and support for their continued commitment.”

He added: “We want to support our employees through these extraordinary times and we are clear in our commitment to this. The new Sodexo Employee Relief Program will be used to do just that – support those who are most affected by the Covid-19 crisis. It is the right thing to do.”