ASOS response re remediation to migrant workers in Mauritius
BHRRC Outreach to ASOS
Several months after the publication of Transparentem’s report we are inviting all brands identified in the investigation as sourcing from the factories to provide information:
- On how the above violations have been addressed, and
- Specifically to provide responses to the following questions:
- What steps has ASOS taken since the investigation’s publication to investigate the allegations brought to it by Transparentem? Has ASOS substantiated the outstanding allegations, particularly of recruitment fee-charging?
- If audits of the factory have been conducted, please disclose any and all audit reports from January 2023 to present.
- As of May 2024, is ASOS part of a buyer’s group at the factory? If yes, has it committed funds to remediate workers who were charged recruitment fees?
- Given the commitment from Barbour, PVH and Second Clothing to repay migrant workers for recruitment fees and related costs at R.E.A.L., will ASOS commit to joining a reimbursement effort at DDI?
- To date, what efforts have been made to address the allegations of abusive working and living conditions? How has the implementation of any improvement measures been substantiated by ASOS?
Response from ASOS
We've taken an active role in advocating for migrant workers' rights in Mauritius for many years...
We acknowledge the concerning findings highlighted by Transparentem and were happy to share information with Transparentem's investigators to support their investigation.
We ended our commercial relationship with DDI at the end of 2022 (one year prior to the publication of the Transparentem investigation)... we've had limited commercial leverage to engage with DDI after this date on remediation effforts; however, we engaged with other buyers throughout the investigation, and offered to support remediation efforts where required.
Following the publication of Transparentem's report, we reviewed and strengthened our approach and have taken steps to enhance our due diligence processes in our Mauritius supply chains...
To ensure these improvements are effectively implemented, we are scheduled to conduct a verification visit in August 2024...