Fair Trade Fortnight begins

(22nd Feb – 7th March) For the start of Fairtrade Fortnight coming up, Margaret Rouse (Mothers’ Union and Modern Slavery lead on the Diocesan Social Responsibly Panel) has written this fantastic paragraph to get us all thinking about what we buy and how we shop... We all like a bargain and, thanks to the internet, it is easy to find one. But, when you find that wonderful offer, do you stop to ask why it is so low? People often say ‘I could not make it myself for that price’; so, if you could not make it, who could? The answer, unfortunately, is people who are being exploited. They may be underpaid and working long hours in dangerous workshops- or- they may be victims of modern-day slavery. Retailers have high overheads, they need to get the best possible return for their money. They may be tempted to accept a low quotation for work; if the manufacturer cannot meet the demand, either in time or cost, they may pass the order on to another, cheaper firm who may pass it on again. No-one knows the condition of the workers who produce the items. Supply chains like this can be long, giving ample opportunity for exploitation. One on-line company recently accused of using manufacturers guilty of exploitation like this, is now making it a condition of the contract that the work must be done by the first contractor. Their prices may have to rise, but they hope that their goods will have been produced ethically. Local authorities have been aware of instances of modern day slavery in factories and workshops for some time, but identifying premises and rescuing victims is difficult. While low prices and high profits are attractive to retailers and to shoppers, manufacturers will exploit vulnerable people. If and item is cheap, it is because it was produced cheaply. The cost may be far more than the price on the tag. Next time you are tempted by a bargain, stop and ask why it is so inexpensive. The true cost may be someone’s life! If you would like to find out more, throughout the fortnight there will be articles and discussion shared on the Christians in Leicester and Leicestershire Against Modern Slavery Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/cllams