John Lewis

Responded to survey: no

MSI involvement: no [what's this?]

Grade 1: Accepts the principle of a living wage, but applies legal minimum/industry benchmark.[what's this?]

Summary

No response received since 2007; no evidence of living wage activity on its website.

Position on living wages

John Lewis have recognised the concept of a living wage in its Responsible Sourcing Code. Given its lack of engagement or work in this area, however, wages are unlikely to meet living wage levels and it is unclear if there is any commitment to improvement.

Position on freedom of association

The code states, ‘Suppliers shall recognise and respect the rights of workers to freely join associations (such as workers councils, trade unions and workers’ associations) which can collectively represent their interests.’ It is very clear that John Lewis take no responsibility
for encouraging these rights.

Work so far on living wages

Plans on living wages

No submission received

Other significant information

John Lewis suppliers complete online self audits, and if there is cause for concern, the company send in independent auditors to sort out the problem. A supplier’s handbook is available on the website outlining monitoring steps and suggestions for calculating and paying a living wage. Action plans and responsible sourcing check lists are similarly available.

Our comments

John Lewis have adopted a classic hands off audit approach, which sadly takes little notice of the difficulties faced by many workers in supplier factories. Suppliers can essentially do as they choose and report what they like.

Without concrete steps to practically implement a living wage its responsible sourcing principles will remain aspirational. A level of depth could be gained if the company would work with others facing the same issues through a multi stakeholder initiative such as the ETI.

A very disappointing approach to workers’ rights from a company that should be doing a lot more.