Government asks retailers to help in ending supply chain abuse
The Government has asked the British Retail Consortium to make recommendations on the steps that the retail sector can take to help eradicate human rights abuses in its supply chains.
The BRC will work with its members to produce a document highlighting good practice later this year after a request from Business Minister Jenny Willott. The publication will look to help companies address abuses such as forced labour and dangerous working conditions in their suppliers abroad.
The recommendations will also include a framework of human rights reporting requirements, information on ethical auditing and the various accreditation schemes available.
BRC director general Helen Dickinson said: “I’m delighted that the Minster has asked the BRC to share the retail industry’s good practice on human rights with the wider business community.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“In order to achieve meaningful change in this area, businesses of all sizes, throughout the supply chain, need to understand the issues, be able to identify and then address worker abuse and exploitation. I hope that by sharing the experiences of responsible British retailers, we can help all those wanting to begin their journey of improving human rights through their supply chains.
“Over the coming months, we will be working with our members to sign-post industry standards and initiatives and draw together examples of good practice.”
The announcement comes as findings from an Ipsos MORI poll show that shoppers take the issue of ethical practices seriously in their purchasing habits. More than four in five people surveyed said the ethical standards of retailers mattered to them while 39% said their shopping decisions had been influenced by this in the last year. In addition, 38% said they would be willing to spend more on a product if a company acted in an ethical way.
Business Minister Jenny Willott said: “Transparency should always be at the heart of every business. All companies, including those in the retail sector, need to make sure that they are giving the right information to their customers and are being open about their supply chains.
“Shoppers more than ever want to know how what they buy got from the factory to the shelf. They are also not afraid to speak up or vote with their feet if they think that those producing their goods are being abused or exploited. It is great to see that the BRC are going to produce this information. I hope we will see progress as a result, with more businesses being open with customers and managing their suppliers in an ethical way.”
