Trade unions and campaign groups are rallying support for Leicester’s garment industry, encouraging UK fashion retailers to pledge 1% of their production locally.
- An open letter urges 24 major UK retailers to back Leicester’s manufacturing through a small yet significant production shift.
- Signatories of the letter stress the ethical responsibility and potential benefits of sourcing from local factories.
- The commitment could transform Leicester into a hub of ethical fashion, fostering fair wages and workers’ rights.
- This initiative aims to secure jobs, boost local investment, and enhance reputations by adopting sustainable practices.
Trade unions, campaigners, and community groups have come together to ask UK fashion retailers to support the local garment industry in Leicester. They propose a commitment of 1% of production to be sourced from there, highlighting how this small change could have substantial effects. Most notably, it has the potential to signal a responsible shift within the fashion industry.
The letter, addressed to 24 UK fashion retailers, including high street giants, proposes that brands consider sourcing 1% of their production from Leicester. This local sourcing would not only support ethical manufacturing but also showcase the shift towards responsible industry practices. The signatories include prominent organisations such as Labour Behind the Label and the GMB Union among others.
The argument is that this change would endorse Leicester as a model for ethical fashion production, promising fair wages and guaranteed workers’ rights. Additionally, it would focus on training and upskilling the workforce, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond immediate economic impact to offer long-term sustainability.
Alena Ivanova of Labour Behind the Label emphasised the urgency of this initiative, stressing the obligation of brands to show genuine commitment. She stated, “We call on UK fashion brands to act now and show they are truly committed to making a positive difference for communities here. Garment workers in Leicester have given decades to this industry. It’s not right that they should see their jobs disappear, while brands continue to produce more and more, but chase a cheaper price abroad.”
This initiative is seen as a considerable opportunity for brands to invest locally, helping suppliers, workers, and even their own brand reputations through more sustainable practices. The proposed shift could serve as a model for blending ethical labour practices with environmental considerations.
A commitment to Leicester’s garment industry reflects a shift towards responsibility and ethical production in UK fashion.
