Statement of intent

• We recognise our responsibilities towards the environment, ecosystems and local communities. All suppliers and their supply chains are therefore required to comply with the following standards: 

• Materials are sourced  with the outmost care of environment.

• Animal and animal derived materials ,such as yarns ,used in our products are only sourced from purpose-bred animals and never from wild-caught or endangered (CITES) species. 

• Farming and harvesting of natural fibre crops to produce the materials used in our garments do not contribute to habitat loss or destruction. 

• Best available practice will be sought in the selection of chemicals and manufacturing processes.

• All factory discharges to the atmosphere, water and land are within legal limits and have as minimal an impact on the local environment, people and ecosystems as possible. 

• A concerted effort is made to ensure water and energy is conserved wherever possible across our entire supply chain. 

• During manufacture, our collection is transported in the most environmentally friendly way possible and never by air. 

• Every effort is made to reduce, reuse and recycle all waste wherever possible. Any hazardous wastes are appropriately segregated, stored and disposed responsibly. 

• Sustainability and environmental performance are reviewed at least annually, to address any changes or additions to business activities and to promote continual improvement. 

• Living wages are paid. Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week must meet at least legal or industry minimum standards. They must always be sufficient to meet basic needs of workers and their families and provide some discretionary income. 

• Deductions from wages for disciplinary measures must not be permitted. Any illegal deduction from wages is not allowed either; i.e. if an unachievable target is set for an employee and their wages are deducted as a result of the deadline not being met. 

• All workers must be provided with written and understandable information about the conditions in respect of wages before they enter employment. This also covers the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that they are paid. 

• Hours of work are not excessive. Hours of work must comply with applicable laws and industry standards. In any event, workers must not, on a regular basis, be required to work in excess of 48 hours per week and must be provided with at least one day off for every 7-day period. Overtime must be voluntary and always compensated at a premium rate. 

• Working conditions are decent. A safe and hygienic working environment must be provided and best occupational health and safety practice must be promoted, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, unusual punishments or discipline, sexual and other harassment, and intimidation by the employer are strictly prohibited. 

• The employment relationship is established. Regular employment must not be avoided, or replaced with labour-only contracting arrangements or apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment. Workers must be given the opportunity to participate in education and training programmes upon request. 

• Modern slavery. We are committed to vigilance in our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking and we are aware that slavery and human trafficking is a hidden issue in our society. We will not tolerate slavery and human trafficking in our business or supply chain. 

Contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are expected to implement the Code of Conduct by: 

• Communicating the contents of the code to all employees so that they are aware of their rights and obligations. 

• Keeping and maintaining employment records. 

• Providing information concerning their operations. 

• Permitting workplace inspections. 

• Under no circumstances are employees to suffer disciplinary action, dismissal or discrimination for providing information in compliance with the Code of Conduct. 

We will facilitate the implementation of the Code of Conduct by: 

• Assigning a responsible person(s) to oversee and support the code’s successful execution. 

• Integrating the code into our company philosophy. 

• Enforcing the code as a condition of all contracts. 

• Periodically reviewing the code’s operation and success. 

• Any breach of the code will be met with the following actions: 

• Recognisable and unmistakable violations of the code will be ceased immediately. 

• Where a corrective action can be reasonably expected, parameters and a time frame for implementation will be set. 

• Contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers found to be committing the same violation of the code on more than one occasion will be considered for dismissal.