// Boohoo’s items dropped from Asos, Next, Very and Zalando websites following modern slavery allegations
// The fast fashion giant said it will end relationships with any supplier it finds to have broken its code of conduct
// Boohoo also launches an immediate independent review of its UK supply chain
Next and Asos have dropped Boohoo from their websites amid allegations the fast fashion retailer was “forcing” Covid-19 positive workers to attend its factory in Leicester, and were still paid less than the minimum wage.
Boohoo has had more than £1 billion wiped from its share value in the past two days after an article in The Sunday Times alleged that workers in a Leicester factory making clothes for Boohoo were being paid as little as £3.50 an hour.
Meanwhile, Zalando and Very have also temporarily suspended the sale of Boohoo items.
READ MORE: Boohoo to investigate illegal practices allegations at Leicester factory
Next said it stopped selling items from Boohoo last week after campaign group Labour Behind The Label first raised concerns.
“Next concluded there is a case for Boohoo Group to answer,” Next said.
“Next needs to prove to itself the two Boohoo Group labels that it was stocking are being sourced in a manner that is appropriate and acceptable to Next.
“Next therefore has its own investigation under way to ascertain whether they are being made in a way that Next does not approve of.”
Boohoo sells its products through a variety of third-party sites, although the company’s recent strategy focused on acquiring new online brands.
It also confirmed this morning that it would launch an immediate and independent review of its UK supply chain in light of the allegations of mistreatment of garment workers.
The online retailer said on Monday that it would end relationships with any supplier it finds to have broken its code of conduct.
Moreover, online giant Asos has also temporarily suspended its trading relationship with Boohoo until the group has completed its investigations.
Zalando said it delisted around 300 products made by Boohoo on Tuesday.
“During the coronavirus crisis, the health and safety of our employees has remained of utmost importance to Zalando,” Zalando said.
“We adjusted to this “new normal” with strict preventative measures to keep all employees safe while staying open for business.
“We expect our partners to apply similar fundamental priorities and will distance ourselves from those who don’t.”
Boohoo Group owns brands such as Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal and Karen Millen.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
