On 22 November, Stephen jointly held a drop-in event in Parliament with MPs and Transform Trade, to call for the implementation of a Fashion Watchdog to improve workers’ rights across global supply chains.
At the event, MPs heard from Transform Trade and researchers about unfair purchasing practices in fashion. Transform Trade are calling on the Government to establish a garment supply chain adjudicator, to monitor practice in the industry and protect works both in the UK and abroad.
A Fashion Watchdog would ensure larger brands selling into the UK are unable to subject suppliers to unfair purchasing practices, and would promote fair commercial treatment.
Speaking at the event, Stephen said “modern slavery is rising globally. Unfair purchasing practices in the garment industry play a large part in this. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of this problem in Parliament and hope the Government takes seriously Transform Trade’s call for a Fashion Watchdog.”