Recent issues relating to pay and working conditions in the UK garment manufacturing industry have understandably put the spotlight on factory audits.
I must stress from the outset that I am not an expert ‘social’ auditor so, when it comes to working hours, pay, illegal workers, unionisation and so on then I’m in no position to comment wisely on the exact best way to conduct detailed assessments of these issues.
However, amidst worrying allegations that some audits are more akin to law enforcement style raids, it is worth considering the pros and cons or pre-arranged vs unannounced factory assessments in my world – the textile wet processing industry.