Waitrose builds on credentials for responsible sourcing – Fishupdate.com
Waitrose builds on credentials for responsible sourcing Published: 11 May, 2007
ALL Waitrose suppliers are to be issued with practical advice in an effort to support improved labour standards across the globe.
In a move designed to further raise the bar in ethical trading, the retailer has issued copies of a new Responsible Sourcing Workbook to 700 of its key own brand and exclusive suppliers.
The manual produced in collaboration with John Lewis – is designed to provide practical assistance to production site managers around responsible sourcing issues ranging from improving worker welfare to minimising the businesss impact on the environment. In addition, it offers guidance in helping suppliers identify areas for improvement.
The workbook, which also contains best practice case studies, is designed to complement the John Lewis Partnerships Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice, which sets out the businesss expectations on issues such as pay, working hours, child labour, worker rights and representation, the environment and animal welfare.
Unusually, the new work book will be publically available so that anyone involved in improving working conditions in supply chains can benefit from the information in the workbook at http://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/ourresponsibilities.
Nick Monger Godfrey, Head of Social Responsibility for the John Lewis Partnership, said: At Waitrose we pride ourselves on working closely with our suppliers to develop robust standards and ensuring the people who make our food are treated fairly and with respect.
However, we are never complacent, and this new manual will help our suppliers look closely at their own workplace practices with the aim of further raising standards.
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