A new charter has been created to recognise businesses that go the extra mile to help meet the city’s needs and work towards inclusive economic growth.
Inclusive growth is all about sustainable and fair economic growth that benefits everyone and embraces equality, honesty, trustworthiness and respect.
Plymouth City Council is being asked to engage with the new inclusive growth charter, which will be managed by Plymouth Growth Board, at Cabinet on 10 March.
Plymouth Growth Board is a private sector led partnership, bringing together representatives from key businesses to drive forward the city’s economic priorities.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development, said: “Inclusive growth is about ensuring no one is left behind. Wages aren’t keeping pace with economic growth, and ordinary working people are not benefitting as much as they could be from a growing economy – and the gap between the lowest and highest paid workers is growing.
“The new charter will encourage businesses to invest in local communities, tackling issues that affect the lives of the workforce, which in turn brings benefits for everyone. By taking up the pledges, businesses will be celebrated for their commitment to inclusivity that goes beyond standard corporate social responsibility.”
Inclusive growth can generate a number of positive changes for businesses, bringing financial and community prosperity. Staff that are more involved in decisions and changes at work feel more valued and good recruitment practices and support for staff training and placements helps to build a strong talent pipeline within businesses.
The aim is for 50 businesses to sign up as founding supporters of the inclusive growth charter, ahead of a full launch later this year.