The Social Mobility Employer Index is an annual assessment and benchmarking tool for employers, providing an overview of social mobility in workplaces that are committed to improving on socioeconomic diversity. After placing 55th in the Index in 2023, this year Amazon is delighted to have placed 48th.
Social mobility is defined by the UK government as the link between a person’s occupation or income and the occupation or income of their parents. Where there is a strong link, there is a lower level of social mobility. Where there is a weak link, there is a higher level of social mobility.
Amazon has a uniquely diverse employee pool spread across the UK from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds. Social mobility is a key focus of ours, so we can serve our employees equitably and promote internal progression and growth.
At the heart of Amazon’s social mobility work is the increased investment of programmes enabling employees and communities to gain valuable skills and access new career opportunities. Our Apprenticeship programme has offered more than 5,000 apprentice roles across more than 50 schemes; with over 1,600 apprentices current enrolled, it is one of the largest schemes in the UK.
Also this year, Amazon marked the 10-year anniversary of the Career Choice programme by announcing a further £23 million in skills and training for UK employees. Career Choice offers to pre-pay 95% of tuition and reimburse employees for books and fees for nationally recognised courses up to £8,000 over four years. More than 18,500 of our employees have participated in the programme.
Amazon has also launched new programmes providing pathways into Amazon, such as our JOBS Project, an employability programme for young people leaving care who are not in education, employment or training.
Employers like us have a responsibility to break down barriers and create environments where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to play a leading role in the industry with our sponsorship of the SoMo Awards, where this year, Amazon’s Career Choice programme was shortlisted as Career Progression Programme of the Year. That’s also why we partnered with The Bridge Group to publish the first report on social mobility opportunities in the retail and logistics sector.
Across our business we continue to build awareness and promote resource sharing through the newly established social mobility employee resource group, and this year we set up the first Digital T-Level Placements, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience in a dynamic digital landscape.
Read more about how Amazon is supporting the retail industry and logistics sector to improve social mobility.
