Quiz suspends work with supplier over living wage allegations
Quiz has suspended work with one of its suppliers while it investigates reports of an alleged instance of non-compliance with National Living Wage requirements in a factory making its clothing in Leicester.
The announcement follows news last week that Boohoo has launched an independent review of its UK supply chain due to allegations of low pay and unsafe conditions at suppliers’ factories.
In a statement issued today, Quiz said: The group is currently investigating the reported allegations, which if found to be accurate are totally unacceptable. From our initial review, we believe that one of Quiz’s suppliers based in Leicester has used a sub-contractor in direct contravention of a previous instruction from Quiz. It is this sub-contractor that is subject of the National Living Wage complaint. Quiz has immediately suspended activity with the supplier in question pending further investigation.
“The board is aware that Quiz has clear-cut social responsibilities and legal obligations and understands the critical importance of ensuring the group’s products are sourced from manufacturers whose business operations conform to appropriate standards.”
Quiz said all of its suppliers are required to comply with its ethical code of practice. It also monitors its supplier base through audits and site visits and is close to appointing an independent third-party partner to provide more regular audits of suppliers in the Leicester region.
Tarak Ramzan, chief executive of Quiz, said: “We are extremely concerned and disappointed to be informed of the alleged breach of National Living Wage requirements in a factory making Quiz products. The alleged breaches to both the law and Quiz’s ethical code of practice are totally unacceptable.
“We are thoroughly investigating this incident and will also conduct a fuller review of our supplier auditing processes to ensure that they are robust. We will update our stakeholders in due course.”
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