ETI has launched a programme to support the sustainable development of Leicester’s garment and textile industry. The programme seeks to address concerns that have been raised in a report on the sector, published today. Our programme tackles issues raised in a report commissioned by ETI and produced by the University of Leicester’s Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment Futures. The report found issues in Leicester’s textile sector with workers being paid below the national minimum wage, absence of employment contracts, breaches in health and safety practices and poor enforcement of regulation and labour standards. Debbie Coulter, ETI Head of Programmes, said: “Leicester is an important manufacturing centre for many fashion brands and retailers and is part of a re-emergence in UK textiles manufacturing. We know there are good business practices within some parts of the sector, but this research has also found evidence of serious and endemic labour rights issues. No worker should be paid below the national minimum wage, or work in precarious conditions where they are at risk of exploitation. These are serious issues that need to be addressed with urgency, if this sector is going to thrive and prosper.”