Leicester's garment sector is reported to be in crisis, due in part to the purchasing practices of large fashion brands, including Boohoo and Frasers Group. These include forcing through discounts, making last-minute cancellations and imposing financial penalties for what suppliers claim are tiny errors.

The non-profit cooperative Labour Behind the Label estimated there were 1,000 factories in Leicester in 2020 and that this number had now halved.

The squeeze on suppliers is affecting garment workers in the region, particularly women. Kaenat Issufo, who works with Labour Behind the Label, said many were struggling to find jobs as factories shut. “A lot of women have said this to me, and they don’t travel elsewhere for work because often there is a language barrier. They also feel safer working within the community.

The Resource Centre asked Boohoo and Frasers Group for comment. Their responses are included below.