We investigate every issue brought to our attention about Primark-approved factories and all efforts are made to resolve where possible. The factory in question has been suspended since June 2022, with no new orders being placed, due to their failure to meet our Code of Conduct requirements. Our local team on the ground has been working with other brands using the factory since early summer on remediation efforts but unfortunately no resolution has been found. We also engaged SMART during this period, however, remediation was not possible through this route either. We understand the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association is now involved in the case.

UPDATE: In September 2022, Primark announced it would be working towards a responsible exit, following the Ethical Trading Initiative's assessment on human rights and responsible business conduct within Myanmar, which found evidence of forced labour and exploitation, denial of freedom of association and state-sponsored violence and corruption. The report concluded that normal human due diligence is not possible in Myanmar, and recommended brands to consider and plan for a responsible exit.