MILWAUKEE, Dec 22, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) released today its second Corporate Social Responsibility Report, a review of the company's global efforts in developing sustainable workforce strategies and socially inclusive working environments.

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"Manpower is committed to making a long-term, significant difference in people's lives through workforce development, disaster recovery, reaching refugees and combating human trafficking. Our business is, in and of itself, socially responsible and one of the most human of industries. Connecting people to sustainable work has never been more important than it is during today's economic climate," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO.

Manpower's 2007 CSR Report, titled "Connecting People to Possibilities," provides an update of the company's activities. The complete report is available for download at http://www.manpower.com/social/srreport.cfm in the Social Responsibility section.

Highlights of the report include details of Manpower's role as an agent of positive social change. Through workforce development programs, which form the cornerstone of the company's social responsibility agenda, Manpower helps thousands of unemployed and underemployed people find sustainable employment every day.

In 2007 alone, Manpower initiated more than 50 new workforce development programs worldwide. Each was developed to help disenfranchised job seekers overcome the challenges that they encounter when they try to enter, or re-enter, the workforce. Last year, Manpower's programs helped more than 27,000 people find work, by providing the support and training opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

Manpower emphasizes its corporate citizenship and commitment to being part of the solution to the more human and ethical challenges of globalization by taking the lead on a number of global CSR initiatives. In addition to its own programs to help refugees adapt to their new communities, Manpower continues its work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and was one of the founding partners in the ninemillion.org campaign. Manpower is a corporate signatory of the UN Global Compact, working to advance universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. Manpower was also the first company to sign the Athens Ethical Principles, leading the effort to encourage other corporations to sign on and support the organization's goal to eradicate human trafficking. As of June, more than 12,000 corporate entities, organizations and individuals have signed to declare their support of the Principles.

"Many CEOs still do not understand the magnitude of human trafficking and the dire need for a coordinated global business response. This year, we introduced a new global procurement procedure designed to ensure all of our vendors adhere to Manpower's strict guidelines to eliminate forced labor, human trafficking and corrupt business practices," said David Arkless, Manpower Inc. Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs, who leads the initiative for the company. "I am proud that Manpower continues to lead the way, not only by being vigilant about ensuring that our own supply chains are free from human trafficking, but also by lobbying, generating awareness and leaning on our peers to commit to the best practices of prevention."

Through programs initiated by its local operations throughout the world, Manpower is making a considerable difference in individuals' lives. Manpower provides people from all walks of life with sustainable livelihoods and helps the disadvantaged and disenfranchised survive and thrive by linking them to work. Manpower also addresses the leadership and guidance it shares with clients and governments in the changing world of work.

TechReach is a North American workforce development program established by Manpower in 2001. It strives to identify individuals who face barriers to employment, and then prepares them for jobs in high-growth industries. Training includes role-playing and interview practice as well as skills-training sessions. Notably, TechReach activity is closely tied to Manpower's business strategy and generates revenue in order to ensure continued sustainability of the program. In 2006, TechReach placed over 5,800 people in the U.S. and Canada into skilled jobs. In 2007 that number swelled to 6,912.

In partnership with Capgemini and the United Kingdom's national employment service, Manpower has developed programs to help people move away from welfare dependence and back into the workplace. The program helped 18,927 people across the U.K. to find work in 2007, and continues to place candidates into jobs at the rate of 1,200 people per month.

Manpower received two recognitions for its social responsibility efforts this year. It was named to the FTSE4Good Index Series, a securities index created by the Financial Times Stock Exchange for companies that meet criteria in conducting socially responsible business practices globally. Manpower was also selected by the Ethisphere Institute for its second annual list of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 2008.

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008, the $21 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,500 offices in 80 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at http://www.manpower.com .

SOURCE Manpower Inc.

http://www.manpower.com

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