Burges Salmon has ranked 39th in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2020, the leading authority on employer best practice, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to social mobility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Index was created by the Social Mobility Foundation and ranks UK employers based on the action they take to ensure they are open to and progressing talent from all backgrounds. Now in its fourth year, the Employer Index is the definitive benchmark of organisations committed to improving social mobility in the workplace.
Employers are assessed across eight key areas, including: their work with young people; routes into the company; how they attract talent; recruitment and selection; data collection; progression; experienced hires, and; advocacy.
This year saw 119 employers from 17 sectors, collectively employing almost one million people in the UK, answer around 100 questions. In addition to the employers’ responses, over 14,000 employees also took part in a voluntary employee survey.
Burges Salmon has been recognised by the Index for the work it has done to address and improve social mobility within the firm, ensuring it enables those from lower socio-economic backgrounds to succeed.
Kirsty Green-Mann, Burges Salmon’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, says: “We are delighted to have achieved this recognition as a Top 75 employer as we champion equality and inclusion. We believe people from all backgrounds should have the chance to succeed and feel comfortable in their working environment. Participation in benchmarks such as these helps us to understand our strengths and drives our pursuit of continual improvement.”
Sarah Atkinson, chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, says: “I am delighted that Burges Salmon committed to entering the Index this year despite the challenges of the pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to see business play their part in the levelling up agenda.”