UK lawmakers, retailers call for action against exploiting garment workers

The letter was published following media reports of workers being paid below the UK minimum wage

A group of 50 British lawmakers, retailers such as Marks & Spencer and New Look, and investors and NGOs called on Monday for urgent action to prevent the exploitation of garment factory workers in the United Kingdom.

Their joint letter, coordinated by industry lobby group the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and addressed to interior minister Priti Patel, asked for the introduction of statutory licensing of garment factories to ensure they all meet their legal obligations to employees.

The letter was published following recent media reports of workers being paid below the minimum wage, not being supplied with personal protection equipment (PPE) and