Outline of allegations linked to Next :

Jiangsu Soho

• In April 2023, it was reported that workers at Jiangsu Soho garment factory faced abuses including mandatory overtime, verbal abuse, wage cuts if workers fail to meet targets and low wages...

Hengrun Myanmar

• In July 2023, it was reported that workers at Hengrun Myanmar garment factory faced a series of violations, including mandatory overtime, denial of leave even if workers are unwell, and no access to medication at the factory...
• In July 2023, it was reported that workers at Hengrun Myanmar garment factory faced a series of violations, including having their phones confiscated after complaining about overtime work, wage deductions, workers being surveilled with CCTV, and workers forced to write down when they leave and enter the toilets...

Next Response 12.10.23:

Jiangsu Soho:

• Thank you for contacting Next regarding allegations of abuses at garment factories in Myanmar. Next has a directly employed Code of Practice team based in key sourcing locations, including Myanmar, which enables us to carry out due diligence in line with our Code of Practice standards. The factories named in your correspondence have regular unannounced audits every 8 weeks by our Code of Practice team.
• Our on the ground teams visited Jiangsu Soho on an unannounced basis in August 2023 and found no evidence of the allegations that were reported in April. We continue to monitor the factory regularly and work closely with our supplier and the factory teams to ensure that our standards are maintained.

Hengrun Myanmar:

• Thank you for contacting Next regarding allegations of abuses at garment factories in Myanmar. Next has a directly employed Code of Practice team based in key sourcing locations, including Myanmar, which enables us to carry out due diligence in line with our Code of Practice standards. The factories named in your correspondence have had regular unannounced audits every 8 weeks by our Code of Practice team.
• Our on the ground teams visited Hengrun Myanmar most recently in October 2023 - a number of non-conformities were identified in relation to the Next Code of Practice and there were indicators that some aspects of the allegations mentioned by BHRRC would warrant further investigation. We are working with our supplier and with the factory management to agree an action plan which will ensure that these issues are addressed satisfactorily