Employment lecturer authors new report on Leicesters textile sector

Dr Nik Hammer (pictured), Lecturer in Employment Studies at the Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment Futures in the School of Management - working with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) - has authored a new report examining Leicester's textile sector.

ETI is a UK-based alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe that has launched a programme to support the development of Leicester’s garment and textile industry.

The programme will help local industry gain better access to information on good employment and human resource processes, linking with other trade bodies and organisations. ETI will work with local groups to provide information and support for workers, and promote effective grievance mechanisms so that workers can raise concerns.

Dr Hammer said: “Our research set out to understand supply chain dynamics within the UK garment sector, with a case study on working conditions in Leicester garment sector. Drawing on case studies and interviews with brands, retailers, trade unions, community groups and workers, the report offers in-depth insights into the problems the sector is facing as well as underlining the opportunities for growth and development.

"ETI’s programme outlines how it will work with brands, trade unions, NGOs, suppliers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to tackle the labour rights issues identified in the research. The University of Leicester, and its Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment Futures, are committed to supporting this programme wherever we can.”

• The report can be read here
• University of Leicester press statement 
• Ethical Trading Initiative press release
• Read an opinion piece on the topic by Dr Hammer for The Conversation 'UK clothing manufacturing booms, but workers' rights lag behind'

Watch a video of Dr Nik Hammer from the Centre for Sustainable Work and Employment Futures discussing the findings of his recently published report into the UK clothing manufacturing industry: