Ethical Trading

Allport recognise the moral duty all companies trading internationally have, to ensure that workers are not exploited and that operations are conducted on their behalf in a decent and fair manner at all times.

Consequently we do not subscribe to the argument that conditions and practices not tolerated in Europe are aceptable elsewhere.

In 2007 Allport commenced a programme of continual audits of operations in the UK and overseas including, but not limited to:

• Hong Kong
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Malaysia
• Cambodia
• Dubai
• Bangladesh
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Bangkok

Standard operating procedures have been developed and corrective actions have so far been restricted to relatively low key issues, as shown below.

• Working Hours
• Lack of Fire Drills
• Poor Office Signage (Fire escape etc)
• Inadequate First aid kits
• No First Aid trained staff
• No access to or information on Unions

Corrective actions initiated post audit include:

• Training for Fork Lift drivers
• PPE Equipment provided or updated
• Hours worked recorded in more detail
• First Aid kits provided or updated
• Enhanced record keeping for Right to Work documentation
• Increased information (Hours worked, rates etc) now shown on pay-slips

Audits are scheduled for China, India, Singapore and Mauritius, with more to follow in 2010, to be conducted by Allport personnel who will be accredited to IRCA certification.

Contact Ian Pulford by email for more information on Allport's ethical trading programme.