Introduction

Yes Friends exists to make ethical and sustainable clothing affordable. And transform the fashion industry. We hate that people and planet are so often exploited whilst making our clothes. So, we started Yes Friends.

We work with manufacturers around the world to make our clothes. Each product is different. And in order to ensure our supply chains are as good as they can be, we do lots of research. And ask lots of questions.

Our Supplier Code of Conduct covers all the usual areas and also shows our determination to ensure that our garment workers are paid a living wage, not just the industry average or local minimum wage. If the lowest paid worker at our partner factory does not currently receive a living wage, we pay a bonus for every item that factory makes so that we can ensure they receive an excellent wage for what they do. We calculate this bonus based on the Anker Methodology. It’s a pioneering scheme here to change the lives of the women and men making our clothes.

No Child Labour

There shall be no recruitment of child labour. Children and young persons under the age of 18 shall not be recruited to the workforce.

All policies and procedures shall conform to local labour laws as a minimum.

Employment is freely chosen

There shall be no forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labour.

Workers must not be required to lodge deposits or their identity papers on commencement of employment. Workers must be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.

Freedom of association and collective bargaining are respected

All workers have the right to join or create a trade union to facilitate collective bargaining. Employees will not be discriminated against for doing so.

Employers will have an open and respectful attitude towards any Trade Unions and their members and will engage with them on appropriate matters.

Where local laws restricts the creation or membership of Trade Unions, employers shall facilitate alternative means for bargaining and association.

Living wages are paid

Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet, at a minimum, national legal standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. In any event wages should always be enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income.

In addition, if the lowest paid worker in the factory is paid below a living wage (as determined by the Anker Methodology), then Yes Friends will pay an additional bonus for every garment purchased based on the living wage set by the Anker Methodology, to ensure that workers receive a good wage for their work done for Yes Friends.

Workers will be provided with clear and understandable information about the hours they are expected to work and the remuneration they shall receive in return. This information will be provided prior to starting employment and will continue to be provided for the duration of their employment.

Deductions of wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted.

Regular working hours are given and are not excessive

Working hours must comply with national laws and collective agreements.

Working hours shall be defined by contract and, excluding overtime, shall not exceed 48 hours per week.

All overtime shall be voluntary, and turning down overtime shall not reflect badly on the individual. Overtime shall be used responsibly taking into account the frequency, length and hours worked by the individual and the workforce as a whole. The wellbeing of all employees is the priority.

Overtime shall not be used to replace regular employment. Overtime shall be compensated at a premium rate, recommended to be at least 125% of the employees usual hourly rate.

Workers shall be allowed at least one day off in each seven day working period, or where national law permits, 2 days off per 14 day working period.

Regular employment is provided

Wherever possible, work must be completed through a regular employment relationship as dictated by the laws of the nation.

Obligations to employees as set out in national law shall not be avoided through the use of sub-contractors, home working, excessive use of fixed-term contracts, apprenticeships where there is no intent to provide regular employment or other flexible working arrangements.

The workplace is safe and hygienic

A safe and hygienic working environment will be provided at all times. This will take into consideration any industry specific hazards. Actions will be taken to minimise, as far as reasonably possible, the risk of workplace injuries or ill health as a result of the working environment.

All workers shall receive regular health and safety training, and such training will be repeated at regular intervals and provided to all new employees.

All workers will be suitably trained to complete their usual tasks safely and in such a way as to minimise the risk of injury or harm. Training will be repeated at regular intervals, where necessary, and all new employees will also receive appropriate training.

Access to clean toilets and potable water shall be provided at all times. If appropriate, hygienic food storage shall also be provided.

Accommodation, where provided shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of users.

The company will assign responsibility for health and safety to a senior management representative.

The workplace is free from discrimination

There is no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.

No harsh, violent or degrading treatment is permitted

Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.