Garment workers still face unfair and unsafe working conditions with few rights but with chains such as Primark being exposed and forced to hold their hands up and act quickly this must be a step in the right direction.  

Consumers are increasingly demanding that companies produce goods in an ethical manner, turning the spotlight on worker wages and working conditions which are exactly what’s needed, after all if the general public did not buy the garments the stores would not continue to produce them.  

The Ethical Fashion Forum is an organisation established in 2004 by fashion designers and businesses, as a means of pooling resources, sharing practice, and overcoming some of the challenges faced by fashion businesses relating to sustainable sourcing. 

The EFF aims to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods by supporting, promoting and facilitating innovative values led business practices within the garment industry. ‘The fashion industry has changed the lives of thousands of people in some of the poorest parts of the world though providing jobs, sustainable incomes, skills and training. With equitable trade, fair wages and working conditions, the fashion industry has the potential to have an enormous impact in the reduction of poverty and hardship across the globe.

Socially and environmentally sustainable practices by fashion businesses are the key to the reduction of both poverty and environmental damage in fashion supply chains.’ 

Young, independent designers are looking more and more to ethical fashion practices and ensuring their garments are produced either locally or ethically abroad, which is fantastic and consumers should really look at supporting these designers rather than the high street chains more focused on making money, fast. 

The Enter Boutique is one place where concerned shoppers can go and receive the ultimate shopping experience. Fashion Enter supports new and emerging ladieswear, menswear and accessory designers and is so much more than a boutique; it is a lifestyle choice that offers the consumer a personal service. Garments can be tailor made to suit the individual, a couturier service is available and designs are exclusive and original; a far cry from the generic drone of today’s high street.