We want to help suppliers to resolve issues, but we will not continue to work with them indefinitely if there is no willingness on their part to improve. Our priorities are to:
- Develop and improve workers’ conditions, including safety and human rights
- Communicate and support the achievement of compliance with our ethical standards by all our suppliers
- Support our suppliers to achieve continuous improvement through partnership
- Implement sustainable programmes and initiatives with suppliers to improve their capacity and ability to deliver to our ethical requirements
- Continue to develop opportunities to work in collaboration with other brands and retailers, governments, trade unions and NGOs
This approach is supported by NEXT’s Code of Practice (COP) Principle Standards which form an integral part of our business. The standards are overseen by our global COP team whose role is to build relationships with our suppliers through training and support, as well as auditing factories to ensure compliance with NEXT’s Principle Standards.
- No forced labour or modern slavery – employment is freely chosen
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- Safe and healthy working conditions
- No child labour
- Fair wages and benefits
- Lawful working hours
- No discrimination is practised
- Employment security
- Respectful treatment of workers
Traceability and transparency of its supply chain is an important part of NEXT’s overall approach to Corporate Responsibility.
Tier 1 refers to the factories as declared by our suppliers and where NEXT’s supply contract is assigned and bulk production takes place. The facility is either owned or contracted by the Supplier. Our Tier 1 and 2 site listing is also available on the Open Supply Hub.
Click here for a list of Tier 1 sites which provide 100% of NEXT branded products.
Tier 2 refers to a subcontractor of a Tier 1 factory. This can be in one of three categories of sites, as declared by our suppliers where the NEXT brand is visible:
- Manufacturer / Processor e.g. embroidery or laundry unit
- Components & Trims e.g. buttons, zips
- Labels & Packaging e.g. care labels, boxes, bags
Click here for a list of Tier 2 sites.
Tier 3 refers to the fabric and yarn suppliers as used by our Tier 1 suppliers where the following processes are undertaken:
- Spinning
- Knitting
- Weaving
- Dyeing
- Printing
Click
here for a list of Tier 3 sites which covers 90% of our Tier 3 suppliers.
Please note, supply chain information is as per the date of each list. Changes will occur and our aim is to update the supply chain lists every 6 months.
NEXT recognises its responsibility to respect human rights throughout its operations. We are committed to ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect. Our approach is to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and to recognise and manage the risk of harm associated with unsatisfactory working conditions, discrimination, modern slavery, human trafficking and forced or bonded labour, particularly in relation to the most vulnerable and exploited groups, such as women and children.
