[...]

With regards to the specific allegations:

• Kaixi Myanmar Fashion Co Ltd:
  • We identified this issue through one of our regular factory audits in early January 2023 and, guided by our Ethical Trade team on the ground, management quickly took the appropriate steps to purify the water, which is now clean. In addition, we have provided them with a guide on water management and the water will be tested on every bi-weekly factory visit.
• Myanmar Guotai Huasheng Glory Fashion:
  • Through our regular factory audits, in December 2022 we found that the Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC) in place was not representative of all workers. Since the issue was identified, we have been working closely with the factory, in partnership with SMART, to build up the capacity and capabilities of the WCC members and the factory management as well as on effective workplace communication. This issue is still live, however we are working at pace with the factory and SMART to resolve it as quickly and effectively as possible.
  • With regards to the last case, the actions of the military regime against trade union members discussed by the ETI in its recent report formed part of our decision to withdraw from the country.

[...]

[The full response is attached]