Is legislation that protects factory workforces fit for purpose? This fundamental question was thrust into the spotlight in Britain in July when newspaper The Sunday Times highlighted alleged widespread exploitation of employees, particularly through very low pay, working in factories in the city of Leicester supplying fast fashion online retail giant Boohoo.
Now the British government is looking to improve the provisions of the UK’s Modern Slavery Act. It’s part of a broader legislative momentum towards accountability that is picking up pace across Europe. Compliance with likely stricter measures is looming for all fashion companies operating in the global marketplace.