Sodexo staff underpaid

The GMB discovered that some members of staff, who were monthly paid, were receiving an hourly rate of £5.71, against the national minimum wage of £5.73. Last week GMB said that thousands of low paid catering workers employed by Sodexo at football stadiums, major tourist attractions, racecourses, army bases, hospitals, company and public sector canteens and in schools are being underpaid approximately £41.03 per year due to the use of the wrong pay formula on the national minimum wage (NMW). Since releasing this information Sodexo have announced that they are implementing a new pay role system and will be having discussions with the GMB in order to resolve the issue. Andy Prendergast GMB Regional officer said: "We are pleased that Sodexo appear to be dealing with this matter in a mature and considered way and that they have committed to talks with ourselves in order to resolve the issue on behalf of our members. "Obviously we will be seeking full compensation for all staff affected and will be looking forward to developing a relationship with the company which ensures that future issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently." A Sodexo spokesperson added: "Sodexo is in the process of rolling out a new £10 million SAPHR payroll system which meets the complexity of its diverse workforce and payment schedules. "Sodexo has been actively working to identify the monthly paid workers who are on the national minimum wage and, prior to the full implementation of SAPHR which is scheduled to be completed by April 2010, Sodexo will be making one interim reconciliation payment to relevant staff in the September payroll. This will cover the period 1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009. "Subsequent periods will either be covered by making a further reconciliation payment or through a change in the applicable formula upon the implementation of SAPHR."