Retired judge Sir Brian Leveson was appointed to provide oversight for Boohoo’s ‘Agenda For Change’ programme following its supply chain scandal. Sir Brian’s final report says “challenges and difficulties” remain at the fast fashion giant, stating that the company needs operate ethically through its supply chain and within the business.
Usdaw continues to urge Boohoo to not only clean up their supply chain, but also engage with the union to help repair their reputation and ensure their own staff are treated with fairness and respect. Something they promised to do when in front of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee.
Sir Brian Leveson’s report says: “I have no doubt that there will continue to be challenges and difficulties along the way and Boohoo must be prepared to demonstrate that, in relation to each aspect of its business, it has exercised due diligence to ensure that legal and ethical standards have been maintained by all both in the business itself or, just as important, in its supply chain.”
Mike Aylward – Usdaw Regional Secretary says: “It is very disappointing that Boohoo has not made any progress on working with Usdaw since the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee recommended the company engages with us. We again ask Boohoo to take the simple step of sitting down with Usdaw to explore how we can work together
“Boohoo could go a long way towards repairing their damaged reputation by meeting with Usdaw and engaging in a positive relationship. The company needs to clearly demonstrate to their employees, customers and the communities they operate in that Boohoo is serious about being an ethical trader.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 380,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
Report by Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson: https://www.boohooplc.com/sites/boohoo-corp/files/2022-03/report-to-board-feb-2022.pdf
House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee Report: The cross-party MPs’ report into fashion industry sustainability specifically said: “We recommend that Boohoo engage with Usdaw as a priority and recognise unions for its workers.”
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmenvaud/1952/1952.pdf
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