Annex 1
GLOBAL SOURCING
PRINCIPLES
Marks & Spencer takes great care in choosing
the companies who supply us directly with goods and services and
with whom we aim to build long term partnerships. From the start
we require each supplier to implement our Global Sourcing Principles,
which establish a minimum acceptable entry standard. But as our
business relationship develops, we expect the supplier steadily
to raise standards and improve working conditions, taking account
of internationally recognised standards.
SUPPLIER'S
RESPONSIBILITY
Together with each supplier we establish a set
of standards, which includes specifications appropriate to the
industries and countries producing the goods. It is the supplier's
responsibility to achieve and maintain these standards.
WORKFORCE RIGHTS
The people working for our suppliers are to
be treated with respect, and their health, safety and basic human
rights are to be protected and promoted. Each supplier must, as
a minimum, fully comply with all relevant local and national laws
and regulations, particularly with regard to:
— Working hours and conditions, rates
of pay and terms of employment.
— Minimum age of employment.
Moreover, whatever the local regulations, workers
should normally be at least 15 years old; as a norm, they should
be free to join lawful trade unions or worker's associations.
PRODUCTION SITES
AND LABELLING
Suppliers of goods must agree with us in advance
the production site or sites to be used for each order and no
subcontracting of our orders from these agreed locations is allowed.
All goods must be labelled with their country of origin.
REGULAR ASSESSMENT
All production sites are to be regularly visited
and assessed by our suppliers and by our own staff. Together we
will strive for continual improvement.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
At the very least, suppliers must meet all relevant
local and national regulations. In addition, we expect them steadily
to improve their environmental performance by aiming to comply
with international standards.
DEDICATED PRODUCTION
UNITS
Once we have established significant levels
of business with a supplier, we expect that supplier to produce
our goods in units, and with workers, dedicated to Marks &
Spencer orders.
COMMITMENT TO
EXTENDING PRINCIPLES
THROUGH THE
SUPPLY CHAIN
We expect our suppliers to adopt similar principles
in dealing with those who, in turn, supply them.
Suppliers must not only apply these principles
at all times, but must also be able to show they are doing so.
We will take action against suppliers who do not comply, which
may involve cancelling our orders and ceasing to trade.
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