A SURVEY of 500 UK directors has found that many companies are not implementing effective policies to protect the environment or deliver equal opportunities.

The survey of directors of small, medium and large companies from the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Institute of Directors showed strong support for policies to improve employees' experience at work.

Half of the directors interviewed encouraged staff to achieve basic skills and work-life balance.

Ella Joseph, ippr Research Fellow and report author said: "Our survey shows that most company directors support promoting equal opportunities and making their organisation greener.

"However, there remains a real gap between the rhetoric and reality of responsible company behaviour."

She added: "Our survey suggests that Government must work with customers, shareholders and business representatives to encourage responsible corporate behaviour."