Starbucks aims to hire 2,500 Refugee Partners in Europe

Announcement forms part of global hiring commitment to hire 10,000 refugees in next five years

Starbucks in Europe announces today it will partner with local NGO partners to deliver a hiring commitment of 2,500 refugees by 2022, starting in eight European markets. Today’s announcement contributes to the global hiring commitment made earlier this year, that Starbucks will hire 10,000 refugees around the world, in the next five years.

Starbucks has a long history of supporting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity in its workforce as part of its founding mission and values. Today’s recruitment initiative is part of a broad commitment to creating opportunities as the business grows, and to continue to employ the best talent.

To help activate this European hiring commitment, starting in eight countries where Starbucks operates – Great Britain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands – Starbucks is working with the International Rescue Committee, Refugee Council, and other NGO partners leading refugee support and resettlement.

Martin Brok, president, Starbucks EMEA said: “This hiring commitment sits firmly within our company’s founding mission and values, proving that businesses like ours can use its scale to make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. We have always sought to create a culture where everyone is welcome and we celebrate more than 30,000 people wearing the Starbucks green apron in this region, from over 90 nationalities and all backgrounds. Today’s announcement forms a significant part of our commitment to equal opportunities as we grow in Europe and will help us to best represent the diverse communities where we do business.”

Maurice Wren, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, said: “We are delighted to start working with Starbucks on a partnership we hope will make a positive difference to the lives of refugees living in the UK and beyond. Refugees bring an incredible wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which are hugely beneficial to society. It’s so important that they are given the opportunity to apply their talents to employment here in the UK, and hiring schemes like this one delivered by Starbucks, really help that to become possible.”

UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly T. Clements said: “The global refugee crisis is acutely relevant in Europe in recent years. We are proud to partner with Starbucks to help support the skilled and ambitious refugee communities who want to be a valuable asset to their host communities and economies.“

About the Refugee Council

The Refugee Council stands up for the rights of refugees and those who are seeking safety in Britain. For over 65 years, we have directly supported and empowered refugees in Britain to lead safe, dignified and fulfilling lives. For more information go to www.refugeecouncil.org.uk

About International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 28 offices across the U.S. helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.