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Sodexo UK & Ireland has been awarded level 2 in the Carer Confident benchmarking scheme demonstrating that it is Accomplished in providing caring support. The scheme, run by Employers for Carers, Carers UK’s employer forum, recognises employers and looks to inspire others to follow suit. It assists employers to build a supportive and inclusive workplace for employees who are, or will become, carers and to make the most of the talents that carers can bring to the workplace.
According to Employers for Carers 1 in 7 people are juggling work with caring for someone who is older, ill or disabled, and with an ageing population, carers are a growing reality in the workforce.
Sodexo achieved level 2 Accomplished status following an assessment in five areas:
Preparation – how employers are enabling carers to identify and recognise themselves?
Policy and guidance – how are employers making support for carers transparent?
Practical support – what practical provisions and arrangements are available for carers?
Peer support – how are employers connecting and engaging carers?
Promoting support – how are employers communicating carer support?
Helen Walker, Chief Executive, Carers UK said: “We are delighted that Sodexo has achieved Carer Confident, Accomplished level. This shows its commitment as an employer to carers throughout its workplace through both policies and practices. We look forward to working with Sodexo as it progresses through its Carer Confident journey.”
In 2023, ahead of the Carers Leave Act coming into force in April 2024 Sodexo introduced a suite of new enhanced benefits including paid care leave which goes above the new requirements outlined in the Act. The new benefits are part of the Sodexo Group’s Vita programme which brings together a common foundation for employee benefits for Sodexo’s eligible employees across the world.
Sodexo’s Carers Leave policy for employees with caring responsibilities provides information on the company’s offering of five days paid leave per rolling 12-month period as well as reference to Sodexo’s definition of a carer, reiterating its commitment and signposting employees to relevant support options such as its care concierge service.
The care concierge service is provided by Sodexo’s pension provider Legal & General and provides a personal service for its employees to access helping them to understand, find and fund later life care, whether they have an immediate need for care, or are doing research for any future needs.
Mark Goodyer, HR Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We are thrilled to have achieved level 2 in our first application for this accreditation. At Sodexo we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our people, ensuring they feel they belong, are able to act with purpose and thrive in their own way.
“It is our ambition to offer a flexible first culture to help our people balance work and personal commitments in a way that suits them, By advocating and supporting those with caring responsibilities we are helping support social mobility in the communities in which we live and work. Our Parents and Carers employee network plays an important role providing valuable peer support through initiatives and regular events.”
This Carers Week (10-14 June), Sodexo is putting carers holding a number of events including:
Virtual lunch and learn session (10 June): A virtual Positive Conversations event open to all Sodexo employees with two industry experts from Carers UK.
Carers coffee mornings: Sodexo’s Parents and Carers employee network is encouraging people to host an informal carers coffee morning at their site and/or office.
Raj Jones, head of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Sodexo UK & Ireland added: “Sodexo is committed to providing all employees with the best possible work life experience at every stage of their career understanding personal circumstances can change at any time. We offer our employees the flexibility to manage such circumstances so they can continue to grow with us whilst being supported to look after their own wellbeing as well and be recognised for the invaluable support they give to those close to them.”
Catering News is sponsored by Two Services
