In a letter written to Boohoo Chief Executive John Lyttle, Home Secretary Priti Patel has urged the fashion label to come forward and take responsibility to protect its workers.
She expressed concerns that the UK-based online retailer was more focused on ending contracts with suppliers who were found to breach the code of conduct than protecting its vulnerable workers.
The Home Secretary also demanded Boohoo to increase its public transparency in its supply chains so as to gain public trust.
She said several fashion brands are publicly publishing their names, addresses and supply chain role of their direct suppliers and Boohoo should also join these brands.
Customers too have become conscious of buying products of those brands that advocate transparency.
Welcoming the comprehensive response of the Home Secretary, Boohoo Group said that it is looking forward to sit down with the Home Secretary once independent review is completed to discuss how Government and industry can together ensure ‘Made in Britain’ becomes pride for all.
Meanwhile, the Home Secretary has also ordered National Crime Agency to investigate modern slavery in the apparel factories of Leicester.
In this regard, Priti said that she expects full cooperation from Boohoo.
Recently, lots of apparel factories in Leicester – many working for Boohoo – were accused of functioning with full capacity even before the lockdown was lifted.
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