UK's Boohoo to set up model garment factory in Leicester

29 Jul '20

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

UK fast fashion retailer Boohoo, which is facing allegations of poor working practices at its factory in Leicester, is setting up its own apparel manufacturing facility at a car showroom site in the city. The e-commerce firm is developing a model garment factory in a joint venture with a supplier to promote the highest standards of health and safety.

The factory, with a capacity to produce about 50,000 pieces of garments a week, is expected to employ around 250, according to British media reports.

The retailer launched an independent investigation into its supply chain following allegations that workers at a factory in Leicester were paid as little as £3.50 an hour. The national minimum wage for workers aged over 25 is £8.72.

Boohoo said it had not found evidence of the £3.50 hourly payment, but confirmed that there had been non-compliance with its code of conduct and terminated its relationship with two suppliers.

The review will be led by Alison Levitt QC and will focus on supplier compliance with minimum wage and coronavirus regulations, working hours and record keeping, and right to work documentation and contracts of employment.

Boohoo will update on the status of the review in September and January before publishing a full sustainability report in spring next year. Earlier this month the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) wrote to Boohoo accusing it of being aware of issues in Leicester clothing factories at least two years ago.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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