Next response re continued abuse at third party buyers' Jordan supplier
The following questions were put to Next:
- Confirm whether the investigation is complete and to disclose the findings if so; or, if the investigation is not yet complete, confirm when the results of the investigation are expected and whether findings will be made public; and
- Disclose whether and how Next has made any changes to its human rights due diligence and monitoring processes in relation to its Jordan supply chain; and,
- Outline any remediation it plans or has administered to workers following the allegations.
Response from Next
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Under Armour and Columbia are sold as 3rd party brands on the next.co.uk website. At the time of the initial reports in April 2024, we contacted both Under Armour and Columbia for comment. Both brands informed us that a third party investigation was underway and therefore it was appropriate for Next to await further updates on the investigation findings before making any decisions regarding these brands. The latest update received from Columbia is as follows:
Columbia Sportswear Company, in conjunction with other brands sourcing from Needle Craft, conducted an extensive third-party investigation at Needle Craft’s Jordan factories in early 2024. This investigation highlighted some areas of improvement and focus for the factory. Columbia Sportswear Company, other collaborating brands sourcing from Needle Craft and Better Work Jordan (part of the ILO) have been actively involved in driving improvement in factory conditions and managing a specific and time-bound corrective action plan (CAP). In addition, brands sourcing from Needle Craft have collectively engaged a third party to support our ongoing remediation efforts. We are collaboratively reviewing and updating this CAP and along with Better Work Jordan, are supporting sectoral-wide improvements in Jordan. Columbia Sportswear Company does not plan to publicly disclose the details of this investigation.
Next has been in communication with Under Armour and following those conversations we can update as follows:
A credible third party carried out an investigation at the time of the initial allegations. Under Armour has received commitment from the factory in question to take steps to resolve issues identified. Under Armour continues to work with the site and relevant stakeholders on remediation.
Next will maintain contact with both Columbia and Under Armour on this matter.
