Tuesday 30th March 2010

Economy: Social enterprises and charities working in Cambridge

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

The company provides work for thousands of employees. It's policy is to be situated in areas that can benefit from economic redevelopment. They pay their workers approximately 3 times the national average wage. They provide education for all the workers children (through the building of local schools) and healthcare, legal advice, counselling and interest free loans for each worker and their immediate family. Housing is provided where available. They provide scholarships for all workers children to go to university and pensions for all retiring workers. Each worker receives 4 weeks paid time off work each year. This is virtually unheard of in the manufacturing sector.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

In an interview with Chief Operating Officer and Director AV Anoop I asked him why they adopted such a policy. He replied “Why else would God give us all of this if it was not to make a difference.”

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

• 1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
• 50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
• 13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
• Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
• The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
• 5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
• Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk