IOSH is urging businesses to review their supply-chain policies following the exposure of ‘sweat-shop’ conditions in UK clothing factories by a TV documentary.
The Channel 4 programme Dispatches, broadcast last night (8 November), uncovered poor treatment of low-paid workers making clothes in a number of textiles factories in and around the Midlands. Entitled ‘Fashion’s Dirty Secret’, the programme showed scenes that were filmed secretly at the factories, and among some suppliers. It showed working conditions that were dangerous, poorly ventilated, dirty and cramped. The workers – mostly immigrants – were, in some cases, being paid less than half the minimum wage.
The film also revealed the high-street brands whose clothes are being made by these workers. They included BHS, New Look, Peacocks, C&A and Jane Norman. Arcadia, which owns BHS, said it did not own or control any factories, and that the film had found a supplier that had “clearly breached our strict code of conduct”. Arcadia, which is owned by Sir Phillip Green – currently advising the prime minister on efficiency savings in the public sector – added that the supplier in question is now being investigated, and the group has withdrawn any goods produced by the factory from sale.
Other retailers also said they had launched investigations into the programme’s findings.
IOSH said the programme highlights wider issues for large companies and their consideration of health and safety in selecting suppliers. Richard Jones, IOSH policy and technical director, said: “The working conditions alleged by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme graphically emphasise the need for better health and safety standards and enforcement. We find it deplorable that in 21st-century Britain, some workers are not afforded even the most basic protection of their health, safety and welfare.”
He added: “We have long-established regulations in Britain that should prevent these sorts of dangerous workplaces. We urge all organisations to review their supply-chain policies and, more importantly, what happens in practice. In the cases highlighted, it appears policies in place were flouted by the contracting and sub-contracting companies.”
Jones concluded: “It’s disturbing if these standards are being allowed to pass under the radar of enforcement inspections. Despite limited resources and impending cutbacks, we urge the Health and Safety Executive and local-authority inspectors to find ways to address this.”
Last week, the TUC heavily criticised the HSE for its lax workplace inspection record but the regulator disagreed that the situation was “in a bad way”.
With all the budget cuts I think we will find less and less EHO’s out on the streets so more and more companies will get away with this kind of thing.
Just watched “DISPATCHES”. Amazed that its happening within 5 miles of IOSH HQ! we should start a campaign in IOSH to help these companies get up to scratch.
What are the Leics EHOs doing?
This could be a local campaign that gets IOSH noticed.
What does our Media team think?