Recent news of poor working conditions within leading organisation’s supply chains has highlighted the need for tighter controls and checks of supplier operations. On paper a supplier can appear to meet all requirements and standards, but it doesn’t replace information gathered from a first-hand inspection.
The UK’s major supermarkets have taken a positive stance to prevent poor working conditions through their supply chain by joining forces with the government agency GLA (Gangmasters Licensing Authority). A recently implemented protocol will ensure that joint inspections of suppliers will be conducted to ensure working standards are upheld and to prevent the exploitation and abuse of workers. Information will be shared, and suppliers face losing major contracts, following unsatisfactory inspections.
Although vulnerable workers are somewhat well protected in the UK by enforcement agencies and legislation, this does not prevent abuse happening completely. Gaining greater visibility, information and checks on suppliers and their workforce is a must; especially when organisations in the public eye are making bigger and bolder statements about operating in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
