What Is An Ethical Sourcing Policy?
As our societies are developing, and getting aware of new issues, which were never disclosed before, everyday through media, and internet, more and more retailers and brands are demanding ethical sourcing policy by their suppliers for the labours of the goods being sold under their umbrella.
Ethical sourcing policy makes sure that the products or goods are not made by forced, prison, or bonded labours. Child labour, i.e. younger than 16years, is also not acceptable by them. Sourcing policy also includes that proper wages are paid to the worker, which are according to the set industry standards of the country in which, the outsourcing must be done, and there should be fair wages according to the work they have done.
They demand their suppliers that any deduction in the wages on disciplinary measure will not be allowed. The suppliers will not force their workers to work over 48 hours during a week, and if they are willing to work overtime, they will be paid at a premium rate.
It is also a part of ethical sourcing policy of some retailers that they bound their suppliers to avoid any sort of discrimination when hiring their workers. They are asked to hire workers without any sort of discrimination regarding their caste, religion, national origin, gender, or age. These suppliers must also take care of the working environment, and provide maximum protection to their workers at the workplace. Some even demand their suppliers to provide regular safety, and health training to their workers as well.
A quick shift can be noticed in attitude of the consumers towards ethically sourced goods; in many countries of the world including the UK, shoppers are demanding for ethically sourced goods despite the worldwide economic downturn. Considering this change in attitude of the consumers, a large number of retailers and brands have forced to make it certain that they are providing their consumers ethically sourced goods.
Consumer and social pressures are compelling the big brands to change their attitude towards the labourers; Nike is a big example in this regard. They have not changed their ethical sourcing policy, but have also made their sourcing parties to abide these rules.
It all started from some media footages, which illustrated the working conditions especially in the third world countries. The NGOs and social work societies then made the drive more purposeful by making the consumers aware of the non-humanly conditions of the labours at work. However, now even some governments, business, and trade unions have taken the responsibility of improving the working conditions.
Media showing the true conditions and images instigated the consumers to respond, and they now demand ethically sourced products. Due to this change in the demand, brands, and retailers have to make their ethical sourcing policy whether they like it or not.
Sarah J Jones is a fashion designer. Buy new and stylish Linen Trousers with good quality at half price now at her recommended website at http://www.saharalondon.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Tags: clothing, Elasticated Waistbands, Ethical Clothing, Linen Tops, Linen Trousers