A formal call for evidence has gone out into conditions at factories supplying the Boohoo fast fashion giant.
An independent review into work conditions is looking for anyone with connections to the company’s supply chain – including workers and ex-factory workers, supervisors and even politicians and community leaders – to get in touch anonymously.
The Manchester-based chain – whose brands include Boohoo, BoohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal, MissPap, Karen Millen, Coast, Oasis and Warehouse – has ordered the review after new allegations of low pay at a textile factory apparently making products destined for its sites.
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Boohoo, which had more than £1 billion wiped off its market value as a result of the recent negative publicity, has previously said it will “act decisively” over exploitation and “help restore confidence in the Leicester garment industry and increase transparency”.
In June its shares were trading at around £4.15, buoyed by people turning to the internet to shop during lockdown.
They fell to a low of around £2.10 after an undercover Sunday Times reporter claimed he found work in a Leicester factory making clothes headed for Boohoo which he said was paying workers just £3.50 an hour.
Since then the share price has gone up to around £2.68.
Companies such as Next and Asos dropped Boohoo clothes from their websites as a result of the allegations.
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People with information can now leave comments on a special website that has been set up.
The website states: “We understand that some people may feel that they might get into trouble for speaking to us or might even lose their job.
“We promise that you can contact us in confidence or even anonymously.
“We invite you to complete our online questionnaire. If you can provide evidence as well that would be really helpful.
“If English is not your first language, please give your answers in the language with which you are most comfortable and we will have it translated.”
There is currently a questionnaire in English, but will soon be updated to feature six other languages – Urdu, Gujarati, Hindi, Lithuanian, Bulgarian and Polish.
Neither Boohoo nor its suppliers has access to the website and they will not be given any of the material contributed.
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On July 8, Boohoo Group PLC announced an independent review into its suppliers and sub-contractors, led by senior barrister Alison Levitt QC.
She wants to hear from members of the public who have information in relation to:
– Working conditions in factories in Leicester which supply garments to the Boohoo Group brands
– What Boohoo knew about those conditions (including the extent to which they monitored their Leicester supply chains)
– Suggestions for improvements for the future.
A statement on behalf of the review team said: “Ms Levitt QC is particularly keen to hear from those with direct experience of working conditions in the factories, including current and former factory workers, supervisors and managers, employees of Boohoo Group companies, and factory inspectors.
“She also seeks contributions from local community groups, non-governmental organisations, politicians, journalists, and other individuals and organisations with relevant expertise.”
In a statement last month Boohoo Group said: “The purpose of this independent review is to consider the group’s obligations and relevant duties of care in relation to the workforce in its Leicester supply chain.
“The group will act decisively on the independent review’s findings and look to embed its recommendations into its strategic planning to help restore confidence in the Leicester garment industry and increase transparency for all of our stakeholders.”
The review and its recommendation will be presented to the company on September 15 and an update published with it half year results on September 30.
Boohoo has said although it commissioned the review, it will not influence its findings or how it is undertaken.
Brian Small, the company’s deputy chairman, said: “The group is committed to delivering the highest standards of ethics, compliance and transparency.”
As of last February, the Boohoo Group had almost 14 million active customers across all its brands around the world.
Around 40 per cent of its products are made in Leicester, which still has a busy independent textiles sector.
The “New-In” page on the PrettyLittleThing website currently has beach skirts reduced to £14, bikini bottoms for £9, beach trousers for £16 and a white beach dress for £18.
Evidence should be submitted by Wednesday, August 26.
Visit the secure and confidential website at