Companies should reveal, or be shamed about, their slave-related histories
Making such disclosures will help firms’ approach to fairness and equality generally, and racial inclusion specifically
British firms are being shamed into acknowledging their links to the slave trade, and showing they are serious about combating racial inequality. Imagine how much greater these efforts might be if there was systematic pressure on the corporate sector to come clean about its history and make society fairer.
This week, UK pubs group Greene King said it was inexcusable that one of its founders profited from slavery. It promised a “substantial investment” to benefit black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, both through its businesses and working with charity partners. The move came after the Daily Telegraph newspaper highlighted the involvement of various UK company founders and former directors in slavery, using data from University College London’s Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-ownership...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.