The Code of Practice and the Foundry Industry

Abstract

The Code of Practice spells out in detail many of the factors which help to create a healthy climate within a company and underlines the importance of incorporating these factors into positive personnel policies. It indicates a number of areas where training can make an effective contribution in this direction. Training has traditionally been concerned with the competence of the individual employee but the commitment of individual employees to the company's success is equally important. An understanding of how people work in groups and how jobs relate to one another is needed if this commitment to the company's objectives is to be promoted. There have been a number of substantial changes in attitudes in the foundry industry in recent years, some of which were brought about by technical developments within the industry, others by social changes. Some — for example the Industrial Relations Act — have consequences for every company. In the light of these changes companies are faced with a problem. Should they continue with their existing practices which range from informal to formal written personnel policies, relying when necessary on external legal advice; or alternatively, should they update their present policies or adopt new ones using the Code of Practice as a starting point? This paper concludes with the results of a survey carried out by, the FITC into the extent to which the larger FITC establishments pursue policies and practices as suggested in the Code of Practice.