Labour standards and ethical conduct across our supply chain
1. Purpose
Vitalex is committed to ensuring that the goods we supply are produced under decent working conditions and that our supply chain operates ethically. This policy sets out the labour standards we expect of ourselves and of every supplier and manufacturer we work with.
2. The standards we apply
We adopt the internationally recognised principles reflected in the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code and the core conventions of the International Labour Organization. We expect our suppliers to uphold, as a minimum, that:
- ▪ employment is freely chosen, with no forced, bonded or involuntary labour;
- ▪ there is no child labour;
- ▪ working conditions are safe and hygienic;
- ▪ freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected;
- ▪ living wages are paid and working hours are not excessive;
- ▪ there is no discrimination in employment; and
- ▪ no harsh or inhumane treatment is permitted.
3. What we expect of suppliers
We work with established manufacturers operating under recognised quality systems, including ISO 13485. As part of supplier selection and ongoing management we expect suppliers to:
- ▪ comply with this policy and cascade equivalent standards to their own suppliers;
- ▪ comply with all applicable local and international labour, health and safety, and environmental law;
- ▪ cooperate with reasonable requests for information or audit to verify compliance; and
- ▪ tell us promptly about any concern in their own supply chain rather than waiting for us to find it.
4. Monitoring and breaches
We assess ethical standards as part of supplier due diligence and keep them under review. Where we identify a shortfall we will work with the supplier on a corrective plan with a defined timescale. Where a serious breach is not remedied, or where a supplier refuses to engage, we will end the relationship.
We recognise that ending a relationship is not always the right answer. Where withdrawal would leave workers worse off, we will consider remediation with the supplier first, and record the reasoning.
5. Raising a concern
Anyone, including a worker in our supply chain, a customer or a member of the public, can raise a concern about labour standards in our supply chain. Concerns can be raised in confidence under our Whistleblowing Policy, or sent to customerservices@vitalexltd.co.uk. No one who raises a genuine concern will suffer any detriment for doing so.
6. Responsibility and review
The Board owns this policy. It is reviewed at least annually and should be read alongside our Modern Slavery Statement, our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and our Terms and Conditions of Purchase.