United Kingdom

The UK 2013 NAP 

The UK 2013 NAP does not contain a reference to GP11.

The UK 2016 updated NAP 

Introduction [page 3]

4. Companies understand the business case for respecting human rights and the benefits this brings. They understand that positive action, supported by due diligence, transparency and reporting can:

• help to protect and enhance a company’s reputation and brand value;
• safeguard and expand their customer base;
• help them attract and retain good staff;
• build and maintain sustainable and effective relationships with employees and external stakeholders;
• reduce risks to operational continuity resulting from conflict inside the company itself or with the local community or other parties;
• reduce the risk of litigation for human rights abuses;
• attract institutional investors, including pension funds, who are increasingly taking ethical, including human rights, factors into account in their investment decisions;
• help companies become partners/investors of choice for other businesses or governments concerned about human rights risks;
• support company ethics and values.

Since the UK’s National Action Plan was published there has been an increased emphasis within the business community on the importance of reporting, benchmarking companies’ social and ethical performance, and corporate transparency. These can be an effective complement to regulation and a tool for protecting and promoting corporate reputation, and providing reassurance to both customers and investors.