It was, and remains, a ground-breaking concept; an alliance of companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working together to improve the lives of workers around the world.

It was, and remains, a ground-breaking concept; an alliance of companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working together to improve the lives of workers around the world.

This concept underpins the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), the not-for-profit organisation of which I have been a director since its inception and chair for the past 11 years.

The 1990s were fertile ground for such an organisation, with its campaigns against the conditions of workers producing clothing, shoes and toys for multinationals. There was also a political appetite. Clare Short, then Secretary of State for International Development, saw how crucial trade was to poverty alleviation.

Is my claim of ground-breaking fair? Well, yes; the tripartite structure of ETI is rare, bringing together organisations that have different and sometimes competing agendas but which share common goals. Real change, change that can make a difference to workers, is only possible through collaboration.

The journey has not been easy but there have been real successes. ETI developed a base code that is now used as a social compliance guide by tens of thousands of companies worldwide.

Our members produced the first set of guidelines to tackle the conditions of homeworkers in India. We work with tea factories in Kenya and wine, fruit and flower producers in South Africa, providing supervisor training on the equal treatment of vulnerable workers. We have also championed the rights of workers in Bangladesh’s garment sector, supporting the minimum wage rising twice.

But there is still more to do. The effects of globalisation continue to create challenges. There are more than 200 million child labourers in the world and this number is growing. Nearly 3 billion people have to survive on less than $2 (£1.23) per day. Workers are still persecuted; the most recent tragic example is the death of a labour rights advocate in Bangladesh.

These issues must be tackled together. Businesses need to take up the mantle of ethical trade. Supply chain audits help identify problems but the real work is in driving sustainable change. This is only possible when businesses share their learnings. Both trade unions and NGOs play important roles in this, bringing experience of protecting workers’ rights. It’s not simply about holding companies to account, it’s about working collaboratively.

So why should your business engage with ethical trade? Growing numbers of consumers want to know their products have been produced in conditions that don’t exploit workers. The UN has also recently launched the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework for Business and Human Rights. The European Commission has embraced its set of principles and I encourage all businesses to get to grips with what this might mean for them. The political climate continues to be ripe for ethical trade. This Government’s aid and development strategy recognises the role of business.

It is only through collaboration that we can bring about change. ETI is uniquely placed to facilitate that collaboration, and as I step down from its board I wish it every success.

  • Alan Roberts, Chair, Ethical Trade Initiative