We are continually reviewing our procedures and the potential risks associated with using overseas suppliers. It is important to us that our suppliers and their sub-contractors adhere to the group's requirement for the provision of appropriate labour standards regarding employee age, working conditions and the general treatment of workers.

 

As participants in the United Nations Global Compact we are continuing to work with our suppliers to ensure that they comply with local legislation related to the minimum working age. We work with and are in constant dialogue with our direct suppliers, carrying out periodic reviews to assess compliance with the group's policies.

 

During 2009 we carried out just under 40 reviews at overseas textile suppliers, including two revisits, in order to confirm the extent to which appropriate standards were being adopted. All observations that we have made to suppliers have been addressed. These visits have continued throughout 2010.

 

Adoption of appropriate labour standards by our suppliers      

We fully support Convention No. 138 of the International Labour Organisation, which seeks to ‘ensure the effective abolition of child labour and to raise progressively the minimum age for admission to employment or work to a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of young persons'.