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Ethical policy

Introduction

The Great Merch Co Ltd is committed to conducting all business operations in a socially responsible, ethical, and sustainable manner. We strive to build relationships based on trust, transparency, and shared values with our suppliers, customers, and stakeholders. This Ethical Policy outlines the minimum standards we expect from our suppliers and partners and reflects our dedication to upholding the highest levels of corporate social responsibility.

We comply with all relevant UK and international laws and regulations and aim to surpass these standards wherever possible. Our policy aligns with global best practices, including the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, Sedex SMETA, and other recognised ethical frameworks.

Management Systems and Policy Implementation

  1. Implementation and Maintenance:
    Suppliers must establish and maintain systems to ensure compliance with this policy and provide evidence upon request.
  2. Accountability:
    A senior management representative must be appointed within each supplier's business to oversee and ensure adherence to this policy.
  3. Communication:
    Suppliers must communicate the requirements of this policy clearly to all employees and extend these expectations to their own suppliers and subcontractors.
  4. Supply Chain Extension:
    The principles set out in this policy must be applied throughout the supplier’s entire supply chain.

Forced Labour

  1. Zero Tolerance:
    We categorically prohibit all forms of forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labour in our supply chain.
  2. Worker Freedom:
    Employees must never be required to surrender their identity papers or pay deposits to their employer. They must have the freedom to leave employment upon reasonable notice.

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

  1. Collective Rights:
    Workers must have the right to join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining without discrimination or penalty.
  2. Open Attitude:
    Suppliers must adopt a positive stance toward trade union activities and recognise employees’ representation rights.
  3. Non-Discrimination:
    Workers’ representatives must not face discrimination and must be allowed to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
  4. Legal Restrictions:
    Where local law restricts these rights, suppliers must facilitate alternative independent and free forms of worker representation.

Health and Safety

  1. Safe Working Conditions:
    Suppliers must provide safe, hygienic working conditions with proactive measures to minimise workplace hazards.
  2. Training:
    All employees must receive documented health and safety training, particularly when starting employment or being reassigned.
  3. Facilities:
    Suppliers must ensure access to clean toilets, potable drinking water, and, where applicable, appropriate sanitary facilities for food storage.
  4. Accommodation:
    If housing is provided, it must be clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the employees.
  5. Management Responsibility:
    A senior manager must be designated within each supplier’s business to oversee health and safety compliance.

Child Labour and Young Workers

  1. Child Labour Prohibition:
    The Great Merch Co Ltd has a zero-tolerance policy toward child labour. Suppliers must comply with minimum legal working age requirements as outlined in relevant laws and international standards.

Rates of Pay

  1. Fair Wages:
    Wages and benefits must meet or exceed local legal minimum standards or industry benchmarks, whichever is higher, and be sufficient to cover basic needs and provide some discretionary income.
  2. Transparency:
    Suppliers must provide clear and written details of employment terms and payment conditions before work begins.
  3. Deductions:
    Wage deductions as a disciplinary measure are strictly prohibited unless legally permitted and with the worker’s informed consent.

Working Hours

  1. Limiting Excess:
    Working hours must not exceed legal limits or industry benchmarks where these offer greater protection.
  2. Overtime Regulation:
    Overtime must be voluntary, limited, and compensated at a premium rate in compliance with local laws. Employees must receive at least one rest day in every seven-day period.

Discrimination

  1. Non-Discrimination:
    Discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation is strictly prohibited throughout the supply chain.

Regular Employment

  1. Employment Relationships:
    Suppliers must establish legally recognised employment relationships based on national laws and practices.
  2. Avoiding Obligations:
    Labour-only contracting, sub-contracting, home-working arrangements, or apprenticeship schemes must not be used to circumvent legal or social obligations.

Discipline

  1. Humane Treatment:
    Suppliers must treat all workers with respect and dignity. Physical abuse, harassment, threats, or any form of inhumane treatment are strictly prohibited.

Entitlement to Work and Migrant Labour

  1. Legal Employment Validation:
    Suppliers must ensure that all workers, including agency staff, have the legal right to work and validate their status with original documentation.
  2. Agency Control:
    Employment agencies must only provide registered workers, and suppliers must maintain adequate control processes in line with relevant laws.

Environmental Responsibility

  1. Compliance:
    Suppliers must comply with all local and international environmental laws and inform The Great Merch Co Ltd of any breaches.
  2. Continuous Improvement:
    Suppliers should actively work to improve their environmental performance, reduce waste, minimise emissions, and manage natural resources sustainably.

Monitoring and Accountability

We will:

  • Conduct supplier assessments and audits when necessary.
  • Terminate relationships with suppliers found in breach of this policy.
  • Continuously review and update this policy to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Approval

This policy has been approved by the Director of The Great Merch Co Ltd and will be reviewed annually to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance.

Managing Director
7th January 2025