It is the ‘first big player’ within the hospitality sector to sign the pledge. Compass Group employs 60,000 people in the UK and has been recognised for its apprenticeship strategy and training programmes.
The pledge asks employers to partner with schools and colleges to provide careers advise and mentor people from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as offering work experiences and apprenticeship opportunities.
Donna Catley, human resources director at Compass Group UK & Ireland added: “First and foremost we are a people business and signing the Social Mobility Pledge is an important landmark which goes hand in hand with the excellent work we’re already doing.
“The educational and qualification barriers that exist in some industries simply don’t exist in ours, so we have a unique opportunity to help thousands of people progress and grow across the UK.
“We are deeply committed to this and it’s something many of our senior leadership are passionate about, having come from a range of different socioeconomic backgrounds themselves.”
Since the Social Mobility Pledge was launched in March 2018, over 350 businesses have signed representing almost three million employees.
Justine Greening, MP and co-founder of the Social Mobility Pledge, said: “The Social Mobility Pledge is about Britain’s businesses making a practical and positive difference by spreading opportunities more widely. Really understanding the value of people is crucial to achieving social mobility and businesses are the key drivers.
“I’m delighted that Compass Group UK & Ireland has signed the pledge and by doing so they underline their commitment to equality of opportunity. I hope many more organisations will follow so that together we can create genuine social mobility in Britain for the first time.”