Ethical trading policy.
U Group Ltd. has developed this Policy, to ensure that when our customers buy from U Group Ltd, they know they are buying goods produced without exploitation and in acceptable & sustainable working conditions.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that all U Group Ltd suppliers, both direct and domestic should source or manufacture products under a minimum set of internationally acceptable conditions of employment in the areas covered in the standard.
We are committed to maintaining this through the strict application of this Policy, which is designed to be ethical, achievable; auditable and universal.
Suppliers to U Group Ltd must comply with this Policy, and operate in such a way that is consistent with our high standards of business practice and in accordance with the national laws and regulations of the supplier’s country.
Some suppliers may be unable to meet all the terms within a short time or in some cases they may be constrained by national law. Reasonable time frames and the existence of any constraints not controllable by the supplier maybe taken into account.
Failures to observe the policy will require rapid corrective action by suppliers to continue any business relationship although, under exceptional circumstances, U Group Ltd. reserves the right to cancel any outstanding orders, refuse or return any shipment and otherwise cease doing business with the supplier.
These include the use of forced or bonded labour as well as physical abuse or discipline, and extreme forms of intimidation.
Suppliers will be audited against this standard by using Sagegreen Consultancy Independent Third Party Inspection Bodies and it is expect that suppliers will permit access to inspect against compliance with this policy at any time.
Supplier Standards
1. Employment is freely chosen
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
4. Child labour shall not be used
5. Compensation is compliant with National Minimum Wage
6. Working hours are not excessive
7. No discrimination is practised
8. Regular employment is provided
9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
10. Immigration law is upheld and complied with
Definitions
Child
Any person less than 15 years of age unless local minimum age law stipulates a higher age for work or mandatory schooling, in which case the higher age shall apply. If however, local minimum age law is set at 14 years of age in accordance with developing country exceptions under ILO Convention No.138, the lower will apply.
Young person
Any worker over the age of a child as defined above and under the age of 18.
Child labour
Any work by a child or young person younger than the age (s) specified in the above definitions, which does not comply with the provisions of the relevant ILO standards, and any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's or young person's education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.