Rubber glove maker YTY Group today said one of its Malaysia-based ceramic mould suppliers may be involved in “systemic” forced labour practices.

In a statement on its company website, the group said a preliminary engagement with the said supplier, whose identity is being withheld, after recent allegations came to light, “suggests there have been instances of forced labour lapses”.

Such incidents occurred despite documentation provided that indicated compliance by the said supplier, the company said...

YTY Group said its preferred approach when dealing with such allegations was to engage with the supplier in question as they seek to regain compliance, rather than reactively cancelling current or future purchase contracts.

It said such a measure ensured ongoing employment and continued compensation for the affected employees...

About 130 workers from the group were reported to have filed a formal complaint against the company at a labour department in early March, which remains outstanding.

Contacted today, [Andy] Hall said that while the workers have reported improvements in their working conditions since their complaints came to light, they remained in considerable debt bondage while still living in poor housing conditions.

He also said the majority of the workers had still not got back their passports.

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