Atlas Vintage Ethical Trade Policy:
UK Ethical Trade Policy and Code of Conduct for Atlas Vintage LTD
Atlas Vintage LTD is committed to conducting its business operations in an ethical and responsible manner. As a vintage clothing supplier, we recognize the importance of promoting fair trade practices, ensuring the well-being of workers, and minimizing environmental impact especially by promoting circular fashion. This Ethical Trade Policy and Code of Conduct outlines our commitments and expectations for ethical conduct throughout our supply chain.
1. Legal Compliance:
Atlas Vintage LTD is fully committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, both domestically and internationally, including those related to labour, human rights, health and safety, and environmental protection.
2. Fair Employment Practices:
a. No Forced Labour: We strictly prohibit the use of any form of forced or compulsory labour, including involuntary prison labour, indentured labour, or human trafficking. b. No Child Labour: We do not employ anyone below the legal working age or in violation of compulsory education laws. The minimum age for employment will be in accordance with applicable local laws and shall conform to the provisions of the relevant ILO standards. Children and young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions. We shall develop or participate in policies and programmes which provide for the transition of any child found to be performing child labour to enable him or her to attend and remain in quality education until no longer a child. c. Non-Discrimination: We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. d. Freedom of Employment: Workers are not required to lodge "deposits" or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. e. Living Wages: Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet, at a minimum, national legal standards, or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. In any event wages should always be enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income. All workers shall be provided with written and understandable Information about their employment conditions in respect to wages before they enter employment and about the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that they are paid. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted nor shall any deductions from wages not provided for by national law be permitted without the expressed permission of the worker concerned. All disciplinary measures should be recorded. f. Regular Employment is provided: Work will be performed on the recognised employment relationship formed by national law and practise. Obligations will not be avoided using labour-only contracting, sub-contracting, home-working arrangement or any similar.
3. Protection of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining:
a. Trade Unions: Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities. Worker’s representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out the representative functions in the workplace. b. Assisting Free Association and Bargaining: Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining.
4. Health and Safety:
a. Safe Working Conditions: We strive to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all workers. We adhere to relevant health and safety regulations and promote measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards. We shall assign responsibility for both health and safety to a senior management representative. b. Worker Well-being: We respect the rights of workers to fair wages, reasonable working hours, and access to adequate breaks and rest periods. Working hours will comply with national laws and collective agreements. Working hours, excluding overtime, shall be defined by contract and shall not exceed 48 hours per week. All overtime will be voluntary, used responsibility and safely and not to replace regular employment. Overtime will be compensated at a premium rate of 125% of regular pay. The total hours worked in any 7 day period shall not exceed 60 hours, except in exceptional circumstances where allowed by national law. Workers shall be provided with at least one day off in every 7 days period, or where allowed by national law. c. Training: Workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training where necessary. This shall be repeated for new or reassigned workers. d. Facilities: Access to clean toilet facilities and to portable water, and, if appropriate sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. e. No Harsh or Inhumane Treatment is Allowed: Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.
5. Supply Chain Transparency:
a. Supplier Evaluation: We engage in due diligence to assess potential suppliers based on their ethical and environmental practices, ensuring that they share our commitment to ethical trade principles. b. Traceability: We work towards establishing full traceability of our supply chain, from the sourcing of materials to the final delivery of products, to ensure transparency and accountability.
6. Environmental Sustainability:
a. Resource Management: We promote responsible resource management, including the efficient use of energy, water, and raw materials, as well as waste reduction and recycling initiatives including renewably heating our workspace. b. Hazardous Substances: We adhere to applicable regulations regarding the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances and strive to minimize their impact on the environment.
7. Stakeholder Engagement:
a. Collaboration: We actively engage with stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and local communities, to promote dialogue, address concerns, and continuously improve our ethical trade practices. b. Grievance Mechanism: We maintain a grievance mechanism to enable workers and stakeholders to raise concerns or report any potential violations of this code of conduct.
8. Compliance Monitoring and Reporting:
a. Audits and Assessments: We conduct regular internal audits and assessments to evaluate compliance with this code of conduct and to identify areas for improvement. b. Reporting: We are committed to transparently reporting on our progress and challenges in implementing ethical trade practices. We encourage feedback and suggestions from anyone involved.
Conclusion:
Atlas Vintage LTD is dedicated to upholding high ethical standards throughout our operations and supply chain. This Ethical Trade Policy and Code of Conduct represents our commitment to fair trade, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. We expect our employees, suppliers, and partners to embrace these principles and work together to create a more ethical and sustainable future.