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Written question asked by Catherine McKinnell (Labour) on Thursday, 5 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Clothing: Manufacturing Industries

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Department are taking to help tackle abusive purchasing practices in the fashion industry.

Answer

The Office for Responsible Business Conduct promotes the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and provides a non-judicial grievance mechanism for complaints of non-observance by UK businesses. The government also launched a review, through the Trade Strategy, of the UK's approach to responsible business conduct, which is focussed on tackling human rights, labour abuses and environmental harms in global supply chains, including those in the fashion industry. We will update the House once the review is complete.

We have already announced measures to tackle late payments through additional reporting requirements for large firms and launched a new Fair Payment Code which aims to boost cash flow for small businesses, crucial for their survival, by tackling late payments and lengthy payment terms that can lead to financial strain and failure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
118177
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Clothing Manufacturing industries Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk