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We want to confirm that due to concerns about our ability to effectively address human rights allegations in the current political situation in Myanmar, we took the decision to exit the small number of businesses we took supply from, including GTIG, in early 2022. As such, we have not taken any supply in the highlighted period between December 2023 - June 2024 where further allegations have been raised.

Our decision to exit GTIG was in line with the views of our stakeholders, including the Global Unions, and remains consistent with our approach to other suppliers in Myanmar. Our exit was completed with regular dialogues with suppliers. We did not cancel any orders and we monitored worker wages to ensure fair pay was upheld. We also did not apply any penalties for late orders and emphasised the importance of worker welfare and health and safety as the priority.

With regards to the wage issues at GTIG during the factory’s temporary closure in 2021, we engaged local NGOs and unions on the matter, and challenged GTIG. In January 2022 GTIG provided evidence that demonstrated that wages were paid in accordance with local government requirements. This was communicated to the local union before our exit.

[Translation via Google Translate]