Retail giant hits back over ’modern-day slavery’ accusations

ONE of Australia’s biggest fashion retailers has hit out against a report claiming it is one of the worst offenders for putting the squeeze on overseas garment manufacturers.

Oxfam Australia says factories that participated in research for its “Shopping for a

Bargain” report rated Premier Investments’ Just Group and Mosaic Brands as the worst performers, behind Myer.

They say the report was based on more than 150 surveys and 22 in-depth interviews with people including factory owners and workers, production managers, union leaders and representatives of non-government organisations, but claim those three retailers did not participate.

Nic Williams, head of compliance for Mosaic Brands, which owns chains including Katies, Rivers and Noni B, said the company agreed to take part 10 months ago but was only contacted earlier this month, with the claims contained in an embargoed report.

“We welcome scrutiny of our supplier relationships and we support the work by a range of NGOS to champion the importance of ethical supplier production chains within the fashion industry,” Mr Williams said. “We did not refuse to participate and actively reached out to researchers offering to provide the information.

“We are disappointed a report that appears to be based on limited or flawed data does not provide an accurate picture of how Australian retailers are operating in Bangladesh.”

Premier Investments pointed to a statement in the company’s annual report which said it has “zero tolerance to modern slavery in all its forms”.