High street shops that don't use sweatshops

[mewmeow]

High street shops that don't use sweatshops!
Hi,
Just as the title suggests really. I have done some research, and I know ones to avoid are: Next, monsoon, m&s, miss selfridge, primark, Nike (brand). I'm not sure about new look, mothercare and h&m?! Also, not sure about supermarket stuff? If anyone has any more advice I'd be very greatful! Normally use charity shops, but sometimes it's necessary to get stuff first hand. Only recently started considering it, as we had a lecture at uni about capitalism and exploitation etc. very nasty :(

I heard from someone who used to work for them that New Look make a lot of their stuff over here to all for the fast turn around on stock. We were all surprised too.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions about this topic (other than where I've worked as that will out me) but essentially

• min wage is set by local gov but lobbies by workers see it raised also driven by demand and supply
• most workers in UK customers factories will be paid more than min wage. This will still seem pitifully low to us.
• boycotting a country / retailler really only shows ignorance: they will pull out of a factory and the workers will have no work so no job
• paying more does not result in better standards
• UK retailers all have different margins: the same top costs the same to produce in terms of labour for any retailler, the fabric type, country and freight costs vary, and the retailer will charge according to their price structure
• UK production is possible most on jersey, knits and hosiery which were previously big industries here. Technically less able than overseas and usually less quality than overseas but available quickly
• best thing? Probably best to contact retailers and say how important social conditions are to you as a consumer

Most UK retailers really do care; USA not so much... Hth

"- boycotting a country / retailler really only shows ignorance: they will pull out of a factory and the workers will have no work so no job "

Spot on. It amazes me that people read the term sweatshops and immediately have an alarmist attitude without bothering to research the facts concerning the workers and how they depend on these jobs to feed themselves and their families!

If you are really worried go for PeopleTree or buy stuff from Not on The high Street

nike uses them