Ethics Newsline®

Political and business leaders urged to heed sentiments of next wave of voters and investors

LONDON
Ethically inclined teenagers may be fueling a new wave of green investment in the United Kingdom.

The Aberdeen Press and Journal reports that a recent poll found 75 percent of U.K. teens saying they plan to put environmental and social concerns at the top of their buying and investment agendas.

According to the London Stock Exchange’s official publication, one quarter of teens say they will put pressure on their parents to invest ethically.

Some analysts note that politicians and business leaders would be well advised to pay close attention to the report because it indicates the preferences of the next wave of voters and investors, reports the London-based GMTV network.

The poll, which was mounted by the U.K. Social Investment Forum, found that 71 percent said they would refuse to work for a company that behaved unethically.

London CityWire, a financial-analysis publication, notes that the poll was released in conjunction with the start of the inaugural National Ethical Investment Week.

Sources: London Stock Exchange, May 20 — London CityWire, May 20 — Aberdeen Press and Journal, May 19 — GMTV, London, May 18.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, May 19 — Related Newsline story, Apr. 21 — Related Newsline story, Apr. 7 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 25 — Related Newsline Commentary, Feb. 18.