Albion catering partner warns of job cuts due to lockdown

Sodexo said it will “exit some contracts and make significant changes to others” after global segment revenues crashed by 84 per cent in the third quarter of this year.

As a result, the company says it will “start to see valued colleagues leave the business”.

The contract caterer provides matchday staff and catering teams for non-matchday events at the Amex.

It also provides similar services for several other football clubs across the UK; including Everton, Newcastle and Aberdeen.

But, with crowds currently barred from football matches to stop the spread of coronavirus, there has not been a demand for these services.

It has been reported that more than half of the full-time catering and hospitality staff at St James’s Park, Newcastle’s stadium, are set to be made redundant after Sodexo’s trade was hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

St James's Park, home to Newcastle United FC

In a letter to staff seen by The Argus, the company’s sports and leisure chief executive.

Chris Bray tells employees: “Our third quarter results showed that Sodexo is down nearly 30 per cent as a result of the pandemic, with sports and leisure being the segment most affected.

"Our global segment revenues were down 84 per cent in the third quar ter as the pandemic moved across the world and our fourth quarter revenues are anticipated to be 90 per cent below those of last year.

“In every segment and region, the business will now need to take the steps to respond to this change in our business.

"Sadly, this means we are required to reduce our cost base and ensure we are best positioned to move back to growth as soon as possible.”

He said that, with discussions with many clients ongoing, “we are starting to exit some contracts and make significant changes to others”.

“Sadly, we are moving in a period of consultations with our teams and we will start to see valued colleagues leave the business,” Mr Bray said.

The Argus contacted Sodexo for comment on its future with Albion, and the security of staff working at the Amex.

A Sodexo spokesman said: “Like many other companies in the hospitality and leisure industries, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on our business. 

“We need to review our current structure and the realistic demand for our services at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. 

“We will be consulting with our colleagues on any changes we will need to make and support them through this uncertain time.”

Until this process has concluded it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A spokesman for Albion said: “As our catering partner, we are aware of the difficulties Sodexo has faced not just at our site, but across the UK and globally as a result of Covid-19 pandemic. 

“All businesses are suffering, not least the hospitality sector. 

“We know these are tough and challenging times for everyone, but we will be working closely with Sodexo to try, wherever possible, to negate the impact of the current pandemic on their workforce.”