Letter: Law hampers industrial success

Sir: Peter Rodgers sets out a convincing case that the most successful companies will be those that develop commitment from employees, customers, and shareholders (Industry View, 15 March). But this concept should move beyond mission statements and into what companies actually do. It is precisely because the law as it stands does not provide for companies to have any responsibilities other than to their shareholders that new legislation is needed.

But legislation on its own will not be enough. It is only when a change in directors' obligations is accompanied by a genuine partnership between companies and their employees, based on trust and commitment from both sides, that we will start to build the long-term industrial success that we need.

John Monks

General Secretary

TUC

London WC1