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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 23 November 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 December 2022 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Clothing: Manufacturing Industries

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to end unfair purchasing practices in fashion, including the exploitation of suppliers and their workers by brands selling into the UK market; and what consideration they have given to introducing (1) a fashion watchdog, and (2) a fashion supply code adjudicator, for this industry.

Answer

Since October 2020, a wide group of stakeholders comprising retailers, manufacturers and non-profit organisations have been working with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) under the Apparel and General Merchandise Public Private Protocol to address poor working, pay, and purchasing practices in the UK supply chain.

In response to the single enforcement body consultation published last year, the government reaffirmed its commitment to continue engaging with the enforcement bodies and industry partners to strengthen our understanding of the garment trade. We will continue to review this issue and consider options to drive up standards across the sector.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3681
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Clothing Manufacturing industries Regulation Exploitation Supply chains
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk