Debenhams

Download Debenhams' submission (pdf)

Responded to survey: yes

MSI involvement: yes, Ethical Trading Initiative [what's this?]

Grade 2: Acknowledges that minimum and industry benchmark wages are not sufficient standards, but no real efforts to apply living wage. [what's this?]

Summary

No activities planned, says it is waiting for ETI.

Position on living wages

"We monitor our suppliers to ensure they are paying the minimum wage, we recognise the need for a living wage, but there is still a lack of clarity as to what it constitutes."

Work so far on living wages

None mentioned

Plans on living wages

"The ETI have said that one of their priorities for 2008 is the Living Wage issue, so we hope that when more has been established towards a living wage amongst the tripartite groups, we will be in a position to work with clarity, on improvements, which we aim to target as soon as it is available.

"From discussion with 3rd party monitors we have learnt that living wages are not generally assessed during audits, due to the issues still surrounding this topic. An accurate living wage method will be welcomed by all."

Other significant information

None given

Our comments

As in 2007, a disappointing response from such a major retailer and longstanding ETI member. Still no impression of any kind of coherent plan to implement the living wage in its supply chain: it acknowledges the need for progress but seems to be sitting back and waiting.