The new UK government should prioritise the use of digital technology to tackle modern slavery and labour exploitation in garment manufacturing and the fast fashion industry, according to a newly published article by academics from the University of Manchester. The article, authored by Dr Jon Davies, Professor Rose Broad, and Dr Amy Benstead, draws on findings from their interdisciplinary research project, which included interviews with various stakeholders.
The new UK government should prioritise digital technology to combat modern slavery and labour exploitation in garment manufacturing, as per University of Manchester academics.
Their research highlights challenges such as poor working conditions and underpayment.
The researchers recommend a government inquiry into digital tools like Blockchain.
The researchers identified several key challenges in the garment manufacturing sector, including poor working conditions, underpayment, long hours without proper breaks, and a lack of job security. These issues contribute to the improper treatment of employees in the industry.
“In severe cases, workers may face threats and coercion, making it difficult to identify and stop exploitation. Additionally, complex supply chains and subcontracting obscure accountability, which can allow unethical practices to develop. Efforts to enforce legislation and ensure ethical standards are often insufficient or inadequately enforced, which contributes to the overall problem,” the academics said in the article.
The findings reveal that many businesses in the sector have limited awareness of how digital technology can help prevent modern slavery and exploitation. In cases where businesses were aware of tools such as Blockchain, these technologies were often dismissed as ‘gimmicks’ that did not address the root causes of modern slavery, such as extensive subcontracting and pressure to minimise labour and product costs. Smaller businesses often lacked the resources or expertise to implement Blockchain, while larger fashion brands were perceived as unwilling to use it due to concerns about reputational damage if exploitation cases were uncovered.
Based on their research, the University of Manchester academics propose several policy recommendations. They advocate for the launch of a government consultation or inquiry involving policymakers, industry, regulators, enforcement bodies, and academia to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of implementing digital tools like Blockchain in garment manufacturing and the wider fashion industry.
The authors also recommend that businesses be required to avoid ‘tech-washing’ and associated human rights abuses by being transparent about their use of digital technology. They highlight the Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities Duty (Human Rights and Environment) Bill, proposed by Baroness Young of Hornsey in the last Parliament, as a potential framework for these recommendations if adopted by the new UK government.
Additionally, the academics argue for the creation of a single enforcement body (SEB) to merge key regulatory agencies, such as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Employment Standards Agency Inspectorate, and the HMRC National Minimum Wage Team. They note that the establishment of an SEB was included in the 2024 Labour Party Manifesto.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
