Major Retailers Pledge to Eradicate Slavery and Exploitation from Supply Chains
- John Lewis, M&S, Next, and other retailers sign anti-slavery agreement
- Retailers commit to combat labour exploitation in textile supply chains
- Enforcement bodies also sign the document
- British Retail Consortium and UK Fashion and Textile Association support the initiative
- Textiles sector considered a ‘high risk industry’ for labour exploitation
John Lewis, M&S, Next, River Island, New Look, and Shop Direct have signed the Apparel and General Merchandise Public and Private Protocol, a joint agreement aimed at combating slavery and exploitation in UK textiles manufacturing. The retailers pledge to raise awareness, protect vulnerable workers, disrupt exploitative practices, and help bring criminals to justice. Enforcement bodies such as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Employment Agency Standards inspectorate, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), HMRC, and Immigration Enforcement have also signed the document. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and UK Fashion and Textile Association support the initiative, along with auditing system Fast Forward. The textiles sector is considered a ‘high risk industry’ for labour exploitation, and this partnership aims to eliminate it from supply chains. This follows the Modern Slavery Taskforce meeting, led by Prime Minister Theresa May, which discussed identifying and tackling forced labour in business supply chains. The retailers believe that joint efforts between industry and government are essential to eradicate these practices.
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the joint agreement signed by retailers and enforcement bodies to combat labour exploitation in UK textiles manufacturing. It includes quotes from relevant sources and discusses the issue of labour abuse in the industry.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about retailers joining together to combat labour exploitation in the textile manufacturing industry and includes statements from key figures supporting the initiative. It also mentions the involvement of enforcement bodies and associations. The article is focused on the topic and supports its claims with quotes from relevant sources.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK retailers
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the commitment of several UK retailers, including John Lewis and M&S, to combat labour exploitation in their textile supply chains. This can impact their financial performance as it may affect their costs, reputation and consumer perception.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.
www.retailsector.co.uk