In 1998, we became a founding member of the Ethical Trading initiative. The ETI is a partnership of likeminded companies, voluntary organisations and trade unions, all dedicated to improving the working lives of people around the world.

In 2005, we adopted the ETI's base code as our own Supplier Code of Conduct. Recently, we've been busy extending the programme and making it work harder for everyone involved. See our timeline.

Supplier Code of Conduct

Ethical Trading Initiative

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Employment is freely chosen

"Slavery and bonded labour are totally unacceptable. Some 12.3 million people globally are forced to work for their employers."

We regularly audit our suppliers because we want to know that the people making our products are doing so out of choice, with the freedom to decide where and when they work.

Freedom of association and the right
to collective bargaining are respected

"Tens of thousands of workers lose their jobs every year for attempting to join a trade union or improve working conditions. Some even lose their lives."

We encourage trade union or worker council representatives to be involved in the assessment of working conditions. If there are no representatives, we encourage employers to give their workers a choice.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic

"Every day 6,000 people around the world die from work-related accidents or diseases. Most of these tragedies could be prevented."

Our audits are designed to ensure that everyone who makes our products is safe at work and has a healthy working environment.

Child labour shall not be used

"218 million children work to support their families, missing out on education and often damaging their health."

We raise awareness of this issue with our suppliers to ensure that no child labor is used to make our products.

Living wages are paid

"Millions of people live on less than two dollars a day. If people can't feed their families on an adult's wage, they may send their children to work"

We assess all our final product suppliers to find out if all the workers in the supply chain earn at least the minimum wage and are paid for any over time.

Working hours are not excessive

"Long working hours are the norm for most of the world's workers. This damages people's health and undermines family life."

Our assessments are designed to reveal how many hours the workers in our supply chain spend at the workplace, and whether they can choose to work overtime.

No discrimination is practiced

"Women and certain minorities are often confined to the lowest-paid jobs with no access to training or promotion."

Our program aims to ensure that all workers are treated equally, fairly and with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Regular employment is provided

"Most workers can be laid off when it suits the employer. This fuels poverty and insecurity and drives down wages."

We train workers so they know their labour rights and the terms and conditions of their employment.

No harsh or inhumane
treatment is allowed

"In some places in the world, workers have little protection against physical, verbal or sexual abuse in the workplace."

We run training programmes for managers and workers. This helps both parties find solutions to issues, and encourages the fair and equal treatment of workers.