Support services group Sodexo has reported that its underlying operating profit has increased by 5.9 per cent and its organic growth was better than expected in its fiscal 2020 results.
Key figures as of August 31, 2019 showed the company had made €22.0 billion in consolidated revenues and with 470,000 employees making it the19th largest private employer worldwide.
It said the Covid-19 pandemic started to be a concern in the second half of January for its business in China, leading to a rapid deterioration worldwide in February, moving from region to region and generating more government precautionary measures to limit spread of the virus.
Sean Haley, regional chairman of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Sodexo UK & Ireland had a strong first half of the financial year. We have continued to deliver great services to our clients and had a very successful Rugby World Cup. We have won new contracts such as Quilter and the University of Greenwich and retained long-standing clients, including Transport for London.
“However, the Covid-19 outbreak is having a big impact on companies everywhere. We have seen additional demand in some parts of our business, as well as a reduction in other areas. We are adapting and meeting this changing need.
“As a company we have a clear commitment to supporting our people, clients, suppliers and consumers at this time.
“In the UK & Ireland we are aiming to redeploy employees where possible to support the NHS and other critical sites as part of the national response to Covid-19. We are continuing to support all our colleagues and communities during this crisis, and we will be using Sodexo's global Employee Relief Programme to provide additional support to those who need it most.
“These are challenging times across the industry, and I am immensely proud of how our teams have been able to come together as one to share our expertise and resources to help in the fight against Covid-19.”