The case studies described in this brief reveal that there are benefits for suppliers to implementing social and environmental improvement programs, including improved workforce productivity, cost savings, and stronger competitiveness. Buyers also benefit with stronger confidence in supply chain compliance, stronger relations with suppliers, and reduced risk of supply chain disruption.
Lessons learned from supplier support programs point to a few key considerations. First, buyers should invest in understanding where opportunities lie to focus resources where they will have the most impact. Also, environmental and social performance factors should be embedded alongside factors of cost, quality, supplier reliability, and trust, to achieve and sustain efficiencies. Case studies show that supplier buy-in is a main barrier for CSR improvements in the supply chain. Therefore, presenting the business case and providing real incentives for suppliers are at the heart of a successful program.
The shift of economic production from higher labour standard regimes in the global North to lower standard regimes in the South is undermining enforcement of global labour standards. Responding to criticisms from the ‘anti-sweatshop’ movement, c...Read More
Switzerland likes to be the exception. Unfortunately, this is also the case when it comes to the direct application of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention. Whereas the Convention states clearly that the access to support services must ...Read More
The number of modern slavery victims in global supply chains today is believed to stand at around 16 million, roughly the same number of enslaved people as during the transatlantic slave trade in the 18th century. While this statistic alone is sugge...Read More
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on those most vulnerable to forced labour and human trafficking. Around the world, communities already suffering from poverty and exploitation have borne the brunt of the pandemic and its economic fallout. Th...Read More
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