Boohoo publishes UK supplier list and launches sustainability strategy
Boohoo has launched its sustainability strategy and has published a list of its UK suppliers after the retailer pledged to take urgent steps to improve governance and oversight of its supply chain.
It follows an independent report, led by prominent lawyer Alison Levitt, which found widespread instances of dangerous working conditions and underpayment of staff.
The investigation, commissioned by Boohoo, followed allegations that factories making its clothes in Leicester were paying workers less than the minimum wage.
It said the UK supply chain list is the result of extensive mapping and auditing work, introducing changes to the way it works with its suppliers in order ‘to create stronger partnerships’ and more sustainable business practices.
Alongside this, Boohoo has also launched its new sustainability strategy; UP.FRONT Fashion Ready for the Future.
UP.FRONT ‘establishes bold targets’ against priority issues in three key areas; smarter manufacturing of clothes; better terms for suppliers; and action in responsible business practices to reduce our carbon footprint.
Sir Brian Leveson PC is providing independent oversight of the group’s Agenda for Change programme, and has submitted his second report which has been published on Boohoo’s website.
John Lyttle, CEO, said: “This is the not the end of a project for us at boohoo but the beginning of a new way of working with our suppliers.
“We are driving positive change in the industry and want to play our part in rebuilding a vibrant manufacturing base in Leicester, one that offers good employment and great prospects for the workers and the industry in Leicester as a whole.”
