Travelodge partners with Purpose Coalition

Travelodge has announced a joint partnership with Purpose Coalition on a ‘Levelling Up Impact Report’, which will reportedly set out its contribution to the UK levelling up agenda. 

The Purpose Coalition was established in 2021 by former education secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening with input from businesses, universities and policymakers, and was designed to “provide a framework to help tackle the challenges the country faces” following the pandemic. 

It is reported that the initiative focuses on key life stages, from early years through to adulthood, alongside other barriers such as open recruitment and achieving equality through diversity and inclusion, as well as identifying the main issues that need to be resolved to create a level playing field for everyone.

The Goals are the first major piece of work by the Purpose Coalition, which is said to include some of the UK’s most purpose-led businesses, universities and public sector organisations, include Amazon, BP, Gateley, Cisco, the BBC, UKPN, Barts Health NHS Trust, Northumbria University and many others.

Travelodge operates over 590 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, and employs over 10,000 colleagues, setting out its contribution to the UK levelling up agenda, as the work the chain is undertaking will “deliver a positive impact on communities across the country” within the architecture of the Purpose Goals, known as the Levelling Up Goals in the UK.

Hannah Thomson, chief people officer at Travelodge, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Purpose Coalition and supporting the levelling up agenda across the UK.  We pride ourselves on having a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage our colleagues to take advantage of the many opportunities within our organisation to build their skills and knowledge, irrespective of background or educational attainment.”

Justine Greening, chair of The Purpose Coalition, said: “Hospitality is a vitally important industry, not just for our national economy but for local economies across the country. It was one of the worst hit sectors during the pandemic and we continue to see the evidence of that in our high streets and town centres and in job vacancy figures. But it can also play a critical role in the country’s recovery, driving growth as well as skills and jobs.

“As one of Britain’s iconic brands, and with social and travel restrictions reduced, Travelodge has the potential to play a leading part in using its experience, expertise and reach to make a positive impact on our communities, especially the most disadvantaged.”

She added: “Travelodge is already demonstrating a determined approach to delivering real opportunity in the communities where it works, regardless of background or experience. The Purpose Coalition is proud to be working with it on its Levelling Up Impact Report to help it go even further as part of a wider effort to level up the country.”