New Look, a prominent UK retailer, has taken significant steps to protect workers in its supply chain through a new agreement.
- The company collaborates with the International Transport Workers Union (ITF) to safeguard transport workers’ rights.
- A memorandum of understanding outlines New Look’s commitments to human rights due diligence within their transport operations.
- New Look sources from 19 countries, emphasising freedom of association and worker training in its supply chain.
- The initiative aims to bolster safety, resilience, and sustainability in transport logistics.
New Look has initiated a crucial step towards ensuring the protection of workers within its supply chain by signing an agreement with the International Transport Workers Union (ITF). This move signifies New Look’s commitment to uphold human and labour rights across its operations.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between New Look and the ITF focuses on conducting comprehensive human rights due diligence. This encompasses both directly operated and subcontracted transport operations, ensuring that worker rights are respected and upheld.
According to Sue Fairley, New Look’s senior head of ESG, quality and sourcing, the partnership with ITF provides an informed and pragmatic approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within their supply chains, including logistics and transport.
Stephen Cotton, the General Secretary of the ITF, highlighted the key role transport workers play in ensuring that products reach UK high streets. He stated, “They are key workers in our global economy, and like all workers, they deserve to have their rights respected.”
New Look’s supply chain involves sourcing goods from 19 countries. To facilitate this, the company utilises various modes of transport, including sea, road, and limited air transport.
A central aspect of the agreement is New Look’s commitment to advancing freedom of association for supply chain transport workers. This includes granting affiliate trade unions of the ITF the right to organise and access logistics providers’ premises.
Additionally, New Look and ITF-affiliated trade unions will conduct joint training sessions for employees of New Look and its suppliers, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of labour rights and improve working conditions.
New Look has also committed to collaborate on remediation efforts through collective bargaining with the ITF and relevant affiliated trade unions, ensuring appropriate measures are taken when needed.
This initiative by New Look marks a significant effort towards enhancing worker rights and sustainability in its supply chain.
