Manpower Inc. Undertakes Field Mission to Refugee Settlements in Africa

February 16, 2009 at 12:00 AM EST
MILWAUKEE, Feb 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) today announced that David Arkless, Manpower's President of Corporate and Government Affairs, is undertaking a field mission to refugee settlements in South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia, 16-20 February. The purpose of the visit is to better understand the plight of refugees and to further identify how Manpower can help them regain the dignity of being employed. Arkless' participation in the field mission will be captured in a daily report and posted on www.manpower.com.

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Arkless is undertaking the field mission in support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Manpower's support for the UNHCR began with its joining of the UNHCR's Council of Business Leaders. Launched at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in 2005, the Council of Business Leaders is comprised of Manpower, Microsoft, Nike, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Young & Rubicam + WPP.

"Manpower stands for the dignity of work and employment opportunities for all. We are therefore committed to making a long-term, significant difference in people's lives through reaching refugees, workforce development, disaster recovery and combating human trafficking," Arkless said.

"Manpower continues to lead the way in the area of workforce development through our own actions, but also by lobbying, generating awareness and leaning on our peers to commit to best practice. Our ongoing work with the UNHCR is an example of leveraging our core competencies in partnership with governments and businesses that help to provide jobs and job training for refugees," Arkless continued.

Through programs initiated by its local operations throughout the world, 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's role as an agent of positive social change, particularly in the area of workforce development, forms the cornerstone of the company's corporate citizenship.

Manpower received worldwide recognition for its social responsibility efforts in 2008. The company 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.

Furthermore, Manpower also recently introduced a new global procurement procedure designed to ensure that all its vendors adhere to the company's strict guidelines to eliminate forced labor, human trafficking and corrupt business practices.

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. Founded in 1948, the $22 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 4,400 offices in 82 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 www.manpower.com.

SOURCE Manpower Inc.

http://www.manpower.com



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