Irish companies sign charter

More than 40 Irish businesses have signed up to a new corporate responsibility charter.

The document, drawn up by Business in the Community Ireland (Bitci), was signed by the chief executives of 21 companies in July. Since then another 23 have become involved.

The Bitci charter commits companies, in general terms only, to ‘the principles and practices of corporate responsibility’ and to engage in ‘open and transparent consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders’. The signatories include An Post, BT Ireland, CRH, Danone Ireland, Elan, Hibernian Group, Intel Ireland, Irish Life & Permanent, National Irish Bank, Savills Hamilton Osborne King, Ulster Bank Group and Wyeth.

Bitci chief executive Tina Roche claimed the charter was ‘a significant step in the development of Irish corporate responsibility’ because business leaders were now ‘openly stating that responsible and sustainable business practices are central to managing risk and maintaining competitive edge’.

The recruitment agency Manpower Ireland has formed a specialist division for workers aged 50 or more as part of its social responsibility strategy. The division, called Manpower Mature, will assist older workers returning to work or changing their jobs.