purchasing practices
At the same time as a growing number of high-street retailers have adopted voluntary codes of conduct and started auditing factories their ‘purchasing' or buying practices continue to undermine attempts to improve conditions for workers. Consumers' thirst for the latest fashion at a cheaper price and brands and retailers' desire to make larger profits has meant that suppliers have been pressured to reduce prices, increase speed to market and be more flexible. This can often lead to lower wages, longer hours and short term contracts for those at the bottom of the supply chain: garment workers.
Further information:
- Read about how two consumer trends: the growth of the ‘value' sector and corresponding fall in prices, and the reduction in lead times associated with the ‘fast fashion' concept have had an impact on garment workers in Factsheet 17: Purchasing practices.
- Oxfam International's 2004 report, 'Trading Away Our Rights', reveals how big brand companies and retailers in the fashion and food industries are driving down employment conditions for millions of women workers around the world.
- Read how more responsible sourcing could lead to better working conditions in the Traidcraft and Impact report 'Material Concerns'.
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