// Quiz suspends work with Leicester supplier over living wage allegations
// The fast fashion retailer said it would also investigate the allegations
// The news comes after Boohoo was embroiled in a similar controversy over Leicester factory working conditions
Quiz has suspended work with one of its suppliers amid allegations of non-compliance with National Living Wage requirements in a factory making its clothing in Leicester.
The fast fashion retailer said it would also investigate the allegations.
The news comes after Boohoo last week launched an independent review of its UK supply chain due to allegations of low pay and unsafe conditions its own factory in Leicester.
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In a statement issued today, Quiz said: “The group is currently investigating the reported allegations, which if found to be accurate are totally unacceptable.
“From our initial review, we believe that one of Quiz’s suppliers based in Leicester has used a sub-contractor in direct contravention of a previous instruction from Quiz.
“It is this sub-contractor that is subject of the National Living Wage complaint. Quiz has immediately suspended activity with the supplier in question pending further investigation.
“The board is aware that Quiz has clear-cut social responsibilities and legal obligations and understands the critical importance of ensuring the group’s products are sourced from manufacturers whose business operations conform to appropriate standards.”
Quiz added that all of its suppliers must comply with its ethical code of practice, and they are monitored via audits and site visits.
The retailer said it was close to appointing an independent third-party partner to provide more regular audits of suppliers in the Leicester region.
“We are extremely concerned and disappointed to be informed of the alleged breach of National Living Wage requirements in a factory making Quiz products,” Quiz chief executive Tarak Ramzan said.
“The alleged breaches to both the law and Quiz’s ethical code of practice are totally unacceptable.
“We are thoroughly investigating this incident and will also conduct a fuller review of our supplier auditing processes to ensure that they are robust.
“We will update our stakeholders in due course.”
Last week, on the back of the Boohoo Leicester factory controversy, news emerged that the National Crime Agency (NCA) was looking into reports of modern slavery in the city’s textile industry.
An NCA spokesperson told Retail Week that it received “information regarding allegations of modern slavery and exploitation” in the city’s textile industry a number of visits to certain businesses were made this week.
The spokesperson also said NCA was now “assessing that information” with other official bodies such as HMRC, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Leicester City Council, Labour Abuse Authority and Leicestershire Police.
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