Statement of Ethics
Statement of ethics – Code of supplier conduct
This Code of Supplier Conduct applies to all factories that produce goods for Schoolwear Plus Ltd (Schoolwear Plus) whether directly or indirectly through Third Party Companies.
While Schoolwear Plus recognises that there are different legal and cultural environments in which factories operate throughout the world, this Code sets out the basic requirements that all factories must meet in order to do business with Schoolwear Plus and is founded on the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative). The Code also provides the foundation for Schoolwear Plus’ ongoing evaluation of supplier factories’ employment practices and environmental compliance.
As a condition of doing business with Schoolwear Plus, each and every factory must comply with this Code of Supplier Conduct. If Schoolwear Plus determines that any factory has violated this code, Schoolwear Plus may either terminate its business relationship or require the factory to implement a corrective action plan.
General Principle
Factories that produce goods for Schoolwear Plus shall operate in full compliance with the laws of their respective countries and with all other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Environment
Factories must comply with the laws of their country relating to the environment.
Discrimination
There must be no discrimination according to the laws of the country, in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, colour, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Forced Labour
Factories shall not use any prison, indentured, involuntary or forced labour.
Child Labour
Factories shall employ only workers who meet the applicable minimum legal age requirements of their country. Factories must also comply with all other applicable child labour laws. Factories are encouraged to develop lawful workplace apprenticeship programmes for the educational benefit of their workers, provided that the participants meet the minimum age requirements as above.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Schoolwear Plus is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. Schoolwear Plus expects all those in the supply chain to comply with a zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking.
Wages & Hours
Factories shall set working hours, wages and overtime pay in accordance with all applicable laws. Workers shall be paid at least the minimum legal wage or a wage that meets local industry standards, whichever is greater. Whilst it is understood that overtime is often required in garment production, factories shall carry out operations in ways that limit overtime to a level that ensures humane and productive working conditions.
Working Conditions
Factories must treat all workers with respect and dignity and provide them with a safe and healthy environment. Factories shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding working conditions. Factories shall not use corporal punishment or any other form of coercion. Factories must be sufficiently lit and ventilated, aisles accessible, machinery maintained, and hazardous materials sensibly stored and disposed of safely. Factories providing housing for workers must keep these facilities safe and clean.
Freedom of Association
Where national legislation allows it, workers must be free to join associations of their own choosing. Factories must not interfere with workers who wish lawfully and peacefully to associate, organise or bargain collectively, within the laws of the country.