A group of leading business people has urged the government to play a key role in encouraging British companies to be socially and environmentally responsible
Eight major firms have backed a 10-point plan intended to ensure that ethical considerations are taken into account in the pursuit of economic success.
The report, entitled A New Vision for Business, calls for firms to measure and report regularly on how their activities effect on [sic] communities and wider society. It also urges them to commit to annual "eco-efficiency" programmes.
The government's advisory Committee of Inquiry also recommends that the Department of Trade and Industry should act as "the champion within government" on issues linking competitiveness with corporate and social responsibility.
A further proposal is that the civil service should set an example to the private sector by ensuring it operates family-friendly employment practices.
The report's supporters
BP Amoco
BT
NatWest Group
Tesco
Body Shop
Unipart Group
Wessex Water
Diageo
Mr Blair on Monday discussed the findings with some of the business leaders behind the report at Downing Street.
The report follows criticism of the government's own record on business ethics.
Earlier this year human rights campaigners claimed that Labour's commitment to an "ethical" foreign policy was in tatters after it delayed halting arms exports to Indonesia in the wake of the crisis in East Timor.
The morality of international trade is also under scrutiny this week as protesters target the World Trade Organisation summit in Seattle.
One of the report's supporters, Gordon Roddick, co-chairman of The Body Shop, said companies were increasingly realising it was in their own interests to act responsibly.
"Economic strength and prosperity depend upon business' competitive success today and in the future," he said.
"But companies are increasingly aware of their responsibilities to a wider set of stakeholders, and are beginning to realise that their own reputation and their licence to operate around the world depends on meeting these wider responsibilities."
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The report's recommendations in full:
* The DTI should act as the champion within government on issues that link competitiveness with corporate social responsibility.
* Companies should seek to measure and report regularly on their major impacts on communities and wider society.
* Government should promote stakeholder business initiatives as a critical element in its overall competitiveness strategy.
* Companies should endeavour to create flexible career structures and opportunities, which are consistent with family friendly work practices and life-long learning.
* Government should set out to become a leader in benchmarking family-friendly employment practices throughout the civil service.
* Companies should work with their suppliers and customers to develop innovative ways of sharing knowledge and best practice to improve competitiveness and customer service.
* Government should make an explicit commitment to encouraging business and the voluntary sector to work together in mutually beneficial partnerships.
* Companies should commit to substantial, annual eco-efficiency programmes.
* Companies should continue to place consumers at the heart of their business objectives and should seek to innovate in the media through which they serve customers, particularly in the field of e-commerce.
* Companies should produce statements of business principles/conduct or guidelines, which align with current best practice and should use those statements actively with key stakeholders.
* Government should explore ways of rationalising the structure for work-related educational qualifications to create a common currency for adult qualifications.
