Ethical Trading
Several of our suppliers manufacture in the UK so we endeavour to ensure that they are compliant with all UK laws and adhere to best practices in their industries. In relation to the many suppliers who use overseas factories, they carry out regular audits, mainly using ethical trading organisations to ensure all legal standards are met and accreditations retained. We insist that all of our suppliers adhere to fair and ethical trading standards prior to working with them.
If you wish to view the individual policies of our main suppliers, please email us at [email protected] and we will send you copies of the requested policies.
- No Child Labour – All factories must employ only workers who meet the applicable minimum legal age requirement and comply fully with all other applicable labour laws. Factories are also encouraged to participate in and contribute to the development of lawful workplace apprenticeship programmes for the educational benefit of their workers, as well as policies that enable children found to be performing child labour to attend and remain in quality education until of a legal age to perform work.
- No Forced Labour - Factories must not use any indentured or forced labour whatsoever. Workers must be free to leave the company after a reasonable notice period has been given and factories cannot require any worker to remain in employment for any period of time against their will. If a factory recruits foreign contract workers, they must pay the appropriate agency recruitment commissions.
- No Discrimination – All factories must employ workers sole on the basis of their ability to perform the job in question, with no regard paid to their race, colour, gender, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, personal beliefs, union membership or political affiliation. There must also be no unfair discrimination in relation to payment of workers, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement.
- Fair Wages and Hours – All factories must set working hours, wages and overtime pay in compliance with at least all applicable laws and preferably at benchmark industry standards. While it is understood that overtime is often required in garment production, factories shall carry out operations in ways that limit overtime to a level that ensures humane and productive working conditions.
- Safe and Hygienic Working Conditions – Factories must treat all workers with respect and dignity, and provide them with a safe and healthy working environment. Workers should receive regular and recorded health & safety training and be provided with access to clean toilet facilities and potable water. All factories must be sufficiently well lit and ventilated, with any hazardous materials sensibly stored and disposed of. They must comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding working conditions.
