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7 Days, (Dubai’s equivalent of the UK’s free morning paper the Metro), reported yesterday that workers employed by Gunal Construction Trading and Industry in Dubai refused to work over the weekend because of the substandard conditions in which they are living. The article reports that raw sewage was overflowing from septic tanks in workers’ accommodation [...]

New Look has been working with Impactt on a series of projects developing innovative solutions for sustainably improving working conditions in the supply chain. The projects demonstrate that improving working conditions can result in more productive and profitable factories, as well as happier and better-rewarded workers. We are currently working with New Look, one of [...]

Following the publication of Impactt’s 10th Anniversary Report, “Progress Not Perfection“ last year, we are delighted to publish our first annual report “Getting Smarter: Ethical Trading in the Downturn“. High energy prices, food inflation, financial turmoil, recession and consumers tightening their belts – 2008 proved to be a challenging year.  The situation poses obvious but [...]

Following the Panorama programme last week, and the widespread media coverage of the fate of Dubai construction workers, the UAE Ministry of Labour has announced a series of initiatives to address the issues raised. A spokesperson from the Ministry reported on Friday that they are conducting an education programme for migrant workers. This is said [...]

Gone are the days when ethical trade was considered at best a ‘luxury’ and at worst, the preserve of sandal-wearing weirdos. In 2007, Impactt blogged about WWF’s ‘Deeper Luxury’ report which investigated the performance of 10 luxury brands against issues such as ethical trade, environment and stakeholder engagement. None of the brands achieved an A [...]

After last year’s Primark on the Rack, BBC Panorama has been investigating labour standards again. This time the BBC exposé focuses on the conditions of migrant workers building luxury estates in Dubai. Dubai is a by-word for 1st world seven-star living, with developments endorsed by footballer Michael Owen, cricketer Andrew Flintoff and celebrity chef Jamie [...]

From the 6th April the Gangmasters Licensing Authority will be working to a revised set of licensing standards, which seek to improve the Authority’s ability to hold licence holders to account. The new standards are the first revision of the GLA’s standards since its inception in 2004 and come following a period of review last [...]

The first labour rights Bill to go through the US legislative process, since the historic election of Barack Obama, has been introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate. Impactt has been following its progress and the reaction of various news agencies and blogs alike. Barack Obama has given the Bill vocal support. But what [...]

Impactt was thrilled to see one of our associates, Vinita Singh, featured in the Hindustan Times, a national newspaper with circulation across India. Vinita is widely known in the ethical trade community for her innovative work with homeworkers. Under the by-line: “Making citizens aware of their rights and responsibilities is her mission”, the article gives [...]

Cadbury and the Fairtrade Foundation today (4th March) announced plans to achieve Fairtrade certification for Cadbury Dairy Milk, the UK’s best selling chocolate bar, by autumn 2009. The move will result in the tripling of sales of Fairtrade cocoa from Ghana. The value of the British Fairtrade chocolate market will in turn grow from £45m to [...]