An initiative is calling for UK fashion retailers to bolster manufacturing in Leicester with a 1% sourcing pledge.
- Trade unions and community groups are advocating for this commitment to strengthen local garment production.
- 24 prominent UK retailers, including M&S and Next, have been targeted in this campaign.
- The pledge is seen as a step towards ethical fashion with fair wages and improved workers’ rights.
- Leicester could become a leading example of sustainable and responsible fashion production.
The call for UK fashion retailers to pledge 1% of their production to Leicester is gaining momentum. An open letter, backed by various trade unions and campaign groups, urges 24 major retailers, including M&S, Next, and Matalan, to support local garment manufacturing. This initiative highlights the potential positive impact on the community and the importance of corporate responsibility in supply chain decisions.
The letter’s signatories—including Labour Behind the Label, GMB Union, IWGB Union, Fashion Enter, Make It British, and academic institutions—stress the importance of this commitment. They argue that while the fashion industry relies on intricate global supply networks, investing locally would send a strong message about prioritizing ethical practices. A modest 1% adjustment in sourcing could highlight a brand’s dedication to responsible operations.
Alena Ivanova from Labour Behind the Label emphasized the significance of this motion: “We call on UK fashion brands to act now and show they are truly committed to making a positive difference for communities here. Garment workers in Leicester have given decades to this industry. It’s not right that they should see their jobs disappear, while brands continue to produce more and more, but chase a cheaper price abroad.” This statement underscores the urgency for brands to balance cost-saving measures with social responsibility.
There is a broader vision for Leicester to become a model for ethical fashion production. By securing fair wages and ensuring workers’ rights, the city could attract investment that enables skilled training and workforce upskilling. This not only benefits workers but also enhances the brand image of companies committed to such initiatives. Integrating a local sourcing pledge aligns with growing environmental consciousness and the shift towards sustainable practices.
The environmental advantages and reputation benefits make this a strategic move for retailers. A commitment to a local 1% sourcing pledge would facilitate supplier investments and workforce development. Such steps could help fashion brands not only in meeting ethical standards but also in gaining consumer trust and standing in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
A 1% production pledge in Leicester presents a significant opportunity for UK fashion brands to demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and support local communities.
