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BRC, UK MPs, NGOs call for end to labour exploitation
20 Jul '20
2 min read
Pic: Shutterstock
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) recently urged UK home secretary Priti Patel to take urgent action to prevent the exploitation of garment factory workers in the country. In a joint letter coordinated by BRC, retailers, parliament members, investors and non-governmental organisations have asked for the introduction of statutory licensing of garment factories.
This would ensure they all meet their legal obligations to employees and are fit to trade, the letter said.
This letter follows recent reports of workers being paid below the minimum wage, not being supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) and working in unsafe conditions. It notes that “unless action is taken now, thousands more people will likely face exploitation.”
"The BRC has repeatedly called on government to take action to prevent labour exploitation in the UK. Recent reports in the media demonstrate the urgent need for action before more workers are needlessly taken advantage of,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“While there is no silver bullet, licensing is a critical step toward resolving this issue. The public want to know that the clothes they buy have been made by workers who are respected, valued and protected by the law,” she said.
“Our members continue to stand firm against labour exploitation, and we hope the Home Secretary joins us in the fight to build a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry,” she added.
This would ensure they all meet their legal obligations to employees and are fit to trade, the letter said.
This letter follows recent reports of workers being paid below the minimum wage, not being supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) and working in unsafe conditions. It notes that “unless action is taken now, thousands more people will likely face exploitation.”
"The BRC has repeatedly called on government to take action to prevent labour exploitation in the UK. Recent reports in the media demonstrate the urgent need for action before more workers are needlessly taken advantage of,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“While there is no silver bullet, licensing is a critical step toward resolving this issue. The public want to know that the clothes they buy have been made by workers who are respected, valued and protected by the law,” she said.
“Our members continue to stand firm against labour exploitation, and we hope the Home Secretary joins us in the fight to build a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry,” she added.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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