pg. 10
"OUR OPERATIONS
Best & Less Group has identified the residual risk of modern slavery in our operations as low. The Group employs most of our team members directly on full time, permanent or casual contracts. Labour Hire contractors are employed in our Australian distribution centre. These contractors are directly managed by Best & Less on our premises and paid by the labour hire firm. Contractual obligations with labour hire firms stipulate compliance with Australian laws including payment of award wages and the rights of workers to collectively negotiate.
Best & Less Group’s Employee Code of Conduct outlines the expectations of employees and contractors including zero tolerance for workplace harassment, bullying, bribery, corruption discrimination and serious misconduct including worker exploitation. All team members are required to undertake induction training which includes the organisation’s expectations outlined within the Employee Code of Conduct.
Around 68% per cent of the Best & Less Group’s workforce is covered by Enterprise Bargaining Agreements with the remaining 32% per cent employed via individual agreements. All agreements confer minimum pay, hours of work, break entitlements, deductions and leave entitlements, health and safety, termination of employment and grievances. Best & Less Group recognises the rights of team members to negotiate collectively, with or without the involvement of third parties including unions.
Best & Less Group has zero-tolerance for any form of modern slavery including the use of child labour, forced labour or prison labour in the manufacturing or sale of our garments. We strive for full transparency and do not allow outsourcing or subcontracting unless subcontractors are also audited and approved."
pg. 9
"The policies and processes that support the Group’s day-to-day operations require that universally recognised human rights are respected and safeguarded. Policies which support our modern slavery program include:
• Employee Code of Conduct
• Ethical Sourcing Code
• Whistle-blower policy
• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Anti-bribery and Corruption Policy
Best & Less Group is committed to complying with the laws and regulations of the countries in which our business operates. Our policies prohibit any activities involving modern slavery and are committed to the safe and healthy working conditions, including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining."
I have checked Contracts include clauses because:
All new and renewed merchandise supplier contracts include specific clauses on modern slavery. (p.12)
I have unchecked code of conduct includes modern slavery because the description of the Ethical Sourcing Codes does not mention modern slavery at all in the statement. (see p. 12)
I have also checked compliance with law as the company requires labour hire firms to comply with Australian laws (see above page 10)