Clothing retailer drops supplier over wages claim
QUIZ REACTS TO ALLEGATIONS RELATING TO A CITY BUSINESS
FASHION chain Quiz has stopped using a Leicester textiles supplier over allegations it sub-contracted to a factory which exploited workers.
The national clothes chain said it was acting on reports the factory making products for its stores and online operation was not paying the National Minimum Wage.
The £85 million-turnover fast fashion chain, which sells “catwalk-style looks and all the latest trends at value-for-money prices”, said it was also stepping up monitoring of suppliers in the city.
In a statement, Quiz said: “From our initial review, we believe one of Quiz’s suppliers based in Leicester has used a sub-contractor in direct contravention of a previous instruction from Quiz.
“It is this sub-contractor that is subject of the National Living Wage complaint.
“Quiz has immediately suspended activity with the supplier in question pending further investigation.
“The board is aware that Quiz has clear-cut social responsibilities and legal obligations and understands the critical importance of ensuring the group’s products are sourced from manufacturers whose business operations conform to appropriate standards.
“All suppliers to Quiz must comply with the group’s ethical code of practice.
“Relationships with any suppliers who fail to comply with this code or meet the group’s standards will be terminated.”
The business said it monitored suppliers through audits and site visits and was in talks to bring in an independent third-party partner to provide more regular audits of suppliers in the Leicester region.
Quiz chief executive Tarak Ramzan said: “We are extremely concerned and disappointed to be informed of the alleged breach of National Living Wage requirements in a factory making Quiz products. The alleged breaches to both the law and Quiz’s ethical code of practice are totally unacceptable.
“We are thoroughly investigating this incident and will also conduct a fuller review of our supplier auditing processes to ensure that they are robust.
“We will update our stakeholders in due course.”
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed it is looking into allegations of “modern slavery and exploitation” in the Leicester textile industry.
It said: “Our primary focus is on the protection of vulnerable people and safeguarding them from harm.
“As part of that, in recent days NCA officers have joined partners in attending a number of business premises in the Leicester area to assess some of the concerns raised in respect of modern slavery.
“These visits are likely to continue.
“Tackling modern slavery is one of our highest priorities, and we are committed to working with partners across law enforcement, the private, public and charity sector to pursue offenders and protect victims wherever they may be.”