CHOOSE
A DIFFERENT TERRITORY
EMR – a global leader in sustainable materials – has once again been recognised for its long-standing commitment to developing the skills, careers and potential of its 4,000+ colleagues worldwide.
Following a rigorous assessment through The 5% Club’s 2025–26 Employer Audit Scheme, EMR UK has been awarded Silver accredited membership. The accreditation reflects the company’s sustained investment in apprenticeships, graduate pathways and technical training across some of the most advanced recycling and low-carbon technologies in the sector.
This achievement also aligns with EMR’s inclusive culture: one that actively creates opportunities for young people, veterans, individuals serving custodial sentences and other talented people who are often overlooked by traditional recruitment routes.
The 5% Club brings together more than 1,200 forward-thinking employers committed to nurturing talent and empowering people to grow, learn and thrive. Collectively, members support more than two million employees, with over 121,000 engaged in ‘earn and learn’ programmes. Other Silver members include Coca-Cola European Partners (GB), Centrica, Network Rail and B&Q.
As part of its membership, EMR has committed to ensuring that 5% of its workforce will be in ‘earn and learn’ roles – including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on structured training schemes – within five years of joining the Club.
This announcement follows EMR’s recent achievement of Great Place To Work® certification across its UK, US and EU operations for the third consecutive year.
Tom Russell, Head of People at EMR said:
“At every level of EMR – from the dedicated teams supporting customers at our recycling sites to the managers who have built their careers within our business – we see the difference that skills, training and opportunity can make. Lives are changed for the better when people are given the chance to grow.
“Our Silver accreditation from The 5% Club is not simply recognition of what we’ve achieved so far; it’s a call to action. It challenges us to keep building careers, strengthening our workforce and opening doors for people living in the communities we serve.
“Not everyone can take on the debt or the years without a steady income that often come with a university degree. But ‘earn and learn’ pathways – like the ones offered at EMR and championed by The 5% Club – give motivated individuals the opportunity to secure a brighter future, whatever their background. It’s about investing today to unlock potential tomorrow.”
Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club said:
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding employers, like EMR, who continue to raise the bar for workplace learning. Their dedication to creating rich and varied 'earn and learn' opportunities sets a remarkable example. By achieving Silver membership, EMR has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to investing in people — shaping the skills of tomorrow and driving lasting impact for both business and society.”
Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club added:
“It is truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and leadership our members bring to developing talent. EMR’s Silver membership is a shining example of how purposeful investment in people can deliver opportunity, inclusion, and excellence. As 20% of our members now reach these prestigious tiers, organisations like EMR continue to pave the way for the future workforce.”
