15 May 2007


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Waitrose turns up heat on responsible sourcing

Responsible retailing

local sourcing

sustainability

ethical

labour standards

environment

green retail

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Waitrose Responsible Sourcing Workbook

Waitrose is to step up its drive for improved labour standards by issuing a manual to key suppliers around the world.

The 700 own-brand and exclusive suppliers have been sent copies of the retailer's Responsible Sourcing Workbook, which is designed to provide practical assistance to production site managers.

Issues covered range from improving worker welfare to minimising the business's impact on the environment.

The workbook is designed to complement the John Lewis Partnership's Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice, which sets out the business's expectations on issues such as pay, working hours, child labour, worker rights and representation, the environment and animal welfare.

The new work book will also be publicly available at www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/ourresponsibilities.

Nick Monger Godfrey, head of social responsibility for the John Lewis Partnership, said: "At Waitrose we pride ourselves on working closely with our suppliers to develop robust standards and ensuring the people who make our food are treated fairly and with respect.

"However, we are never complacent, and this new manual will help our suppliers look closely at their own workplace practices with the aim of further raising standards."

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