Supermarkets Embrace Ethically Responsible Clothing

Workers are forced to lie to their markets about conditions at work. At Tesco and Asda worker respond with the above statement, or else risk being sacked. Investigations in factories, where bargain items are manufactured, that supply to British supermarkets have revealed discrimination, and exploitation of workers.

Through investigation, it was discovered that the reduction in prices of clothes by Tesco, for 700 clothes affected the workers even. This is because when the giants of the market, like Tesco and Asda, reduce prices, the burden comes on to the suppliers, who then put immense pressure on their workers, and treat them badly. These major giants have huge buying power, as per the representative of Clean Clothes Campaign in UK, Sam Maher states, that they can really help in improving the working condition of the labours. All falls upon the workers who merely want to survive, and have to deal with the pressure.

The Investigation was conducted in 30 manufacturing units across Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Bangladesh, where 440 workers were interviewed. These workers make clothes for top ranking chains, Walmart (Asda), Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, and Carrefore. A large number of workers said that they mostly had to work overtime, and only few of the overtime hours were recorded, so they were not always paid for the long hours. Absences were almost forbidden, as pay was deducted if leave was taken, and holidays were non-existent.

This put a halt on to many supermarket giants after the results of the investigations were made public. Asda now sells only fair-trade t-shirt, whereas Tesco has its own ethical clothing line, which is manufactured by itself.

Tesco approached Isobel Davies the founder of Izzy Lane. Davies tends to a flock of sheep, and she uses their wool to design a range of skirts, jackets, and coats. It is revolutionary that Tesco came up to her, and are serious about making ethical clothing. Although one of the setbacks would definitely be the high prices, because clothes by Izzy Lane are stunningly beautiful, but caring for the sheep is quite costly. It takes wool from the whole flock to make just one skirt.

Research conducted by the Data Analysis group, Mintel, suggests that the sales of ethical clothing are on the rise. Figures confirm that the sales have quadrupled in the previous five years.

All giant supermarkets were compelled to start ethically responsible clothing line, since customers have become aware, and alert about this term. Suppliers, retailers, and supermarkets noticed the demand in customers irrespective of these clothes being more costly than unethically responsible clothing.

Around 26 different styles will be introduced for women and 15 for men in 2010. They will hire people to make the clothes from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Sarah J Jones is a fashion designer. Now you can buy new and stylish Linen Tops with good quality at half price now at her recommended website at http://www.saharalondon.com.