Ethical Trading Policy Statement

Jute fibres drying in the sun. The jute industry sustains some 5 million people.

Jute fibres drying in the sun. The jute industry sustains some 5 million people.
Click image to enlarge

Checking bags. Happy workers mean excellent products.

Checking bags. Happy workers mean excellent products.
Click image to enlarge

Other countries and peoples have different cultures, norms and sets of values to our own. We at Canby respect all cultures and celebrate human diversity, but we deem certain principles to be universal.

Canby requires its suppliers and manufacturers abroad and in the UK not only to adhere to the following principles, but to demand the same from their own suppliers and sub-contractors.

Conditions of employment

  • All suppliers must conduct their business in an open, moral and equitable manner.
  • They must remunerate their employees at a fair market rate in accordance with their responsibilities and abilities.
  • The use of any child labour is unacceptable. All labour must be older than the statutory minimum for the country. If we were to become aware of child labour in connection with our merchandise then the issue would be dealt with by a considered programme centred on the best interests of the children involved.
  • Safe working conditions must be provided for all employees and none will be subjected to dangerous working practices.
  • Working hours must be reasonable and appropriate breaks given. Wages andbenefits must be fully comparable with local norms, complying with all local laws and the general principle of fair dealing.
  • Employees will be considered for promotion and advancement purely on theirability, and in no circumstances will the exploitation of any individual or group be allowed.
  • Employees must be engaged on a voluntary basis, there must be no forced labour or any use of physical or mental abuse, or any form of corporal punishment.

Freedom of association

  • Employees must be free to choose whether or not to associate with any group that is legal in that country.

Protection of the environment

  • We all have an obligation to conserve and protect the environment and to respect the natural world. We and our suppliers bear this in mind when we choose materials and in the way we dispose of waste and byproducts.

Intellectual property rights

  • We comply fully with all legal requirements in all countries with which we trade. We require our customers and suppliers to do likewise at all times.