Giving Compass' Take:

• This B the Change post details some takeaways from a recent panel about addressing modern slavery in the fashion industry. Two key challenges are subcontracting and competitive pricing. 

• One acknowledgement in this piece is that the workers themselves need to have a say. How can those involved in the garment business make sure those voices are heard?

• Here are three more lessons about eradicating modern slavery.

There are more than 40 million people in modern slavery across the world. Human rights advocates, change-making non-governmental organizations and legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act of 2015 in the United Kingdom are increasing awareness of this harrowing reality.

To maintain momentum, businesses must commit to preventing forced labor, trafficking and child slavery from infiltrating their supply chains. That’s clearly a real challenge, especially considering the numerous tiers of a global production process.

The fashion and apparel industry accounts for less than 3 percent of the total UK Certified B Corporation community, which includes more than 185 businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. When this is compared to the food and drink industry that (despite also having complex global production processes) makes up 14 percent of the UK B Corp Community, it raises the question: What are the specific challenges the UK fashion industry faces when ensuring its supply chains are transparent?

Read the full article about unpicking modern slavery by Hannah Reiss at B the Change.