Laura Husband, Apparel Industry Correspondent, GlobalData says, modern slavery and forced labor are pressing issues for supply chains across multiple sectors and need to be addressed on a cross-sector and global level. As per a Textile Focus report, new research by Universities in Liverpool and Nottingham show no difference between the amount of modern slavery in apparel sector supply chains and other sectors. The report highlights the role job title and seniority rather than sector play in determining the level of priority given to modern slavery above supply chain costs and operational issues.

A recent US hearing of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee also adds, current efforts to eliminate forced labor in global supply chains are falling short. The US has made a stand by banning all Xinjiang imported goods, including apparel due to forced labor claims. However, a US Department of Labor report highlights forced labour violations in more than 75 countries and more than 150 different everyday products – not just apparel.

To help the apparel, manufacturing and other sectors confront modern slavery issues at every level within the supply chain, Husband advises the industry to go for cross-industry and country collaborations.