Woolworths Group has become the first Australian company to join the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a network of businesses from around the globe committed to improving the livelihoods of refugees by integrating them in their core business operations.

As a member, Woolworths Group will have the opportunity to share and learn from others in the Tent Partnership network while expanding on the work already undertaken through its refugee employment programs and partnerships.

The Woolworths Refugee Employment program - delivered in partnership with social enterprise Community Corporate - has successfully placed over 150 refugees from 16 different cultural backgrounds in roles at supermarkets, Metro stores and customer fulfilment centres since the program's inception in 2016.

Woolworths Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion Rachel Mead said: 'We're very proud to be the first Australian company to join this global refugee initiative.

'As the nation's largest private employer, we want to help refugees build new, secure and fulfilling lives in Australia. We also believe our teams should reflect the culturally diverse communities we serve.

'We're committed to continuing our work in this area and delighted to be joining the Tent Partnership so we can share and learn from others, network, and expand on the work we are already doing.'

The Woolworths Refugee Employment program - delivered in partnership with social enterprise Community Corporate - has successfully placed over 150 refugees from 16 different cultural backgrounds in roles at supermarkets, Metro stores and customer fulfilment centres since the program's inception in 2016.

More recently Woolworths has entered into a partnership with Australia's first social enterprise bakery, The Bread & Butter Project, which provides training and employment pathways for refugees to boost their prospects of successful resettlement and employment.

Rachel Mead concluded: 'We recognise the importance of celebrating the diversity of our community and country, and the rich exchange of culture, ideas and opportunities that exists in Australia because of migration.

'We are committed to supporting access to employment pathways and opportunities for refugees, which wouldn't otherwise be possible without our partners.

'We are delighted to be joining Tent Partnership for Refugees and look forward to working together and exchanging ideas so we can create an even more diverse and inclusive workplace at Woolworths for the benefit of our team and customers.'

For more information on Woolworths Refugee Employment Program visit Woolworths Group 2020 Sustainability Report. For more information on the Tent Partnership for Refugees see here.

(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire