Drapers has just published an article (9th June 2023) titled: Leicester manufacturers: ‘the UK will have no textile industry soon’. Compiled by Sabina Weston the article interviews various Leicester manufacturers on the current discount demands from retailers and how local production has been outpriced by international rivals.
The article starts: ‘Although the 2020 review into garment workers’ rights was set to mark a turning point in Leicester’s textile industry, the town is now facing less business than ever before as consumers reign in spending amid the cost of living crisis.’
Manufacturers talk about Leicester being 75% down in production capacity, and how they are seriously worried about the future of their business. Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Deputy CEO, Jackie Bertram is quoted in the article, she said:
“What Leicester needs is business right now – we need work. If a big brand comes in and drives progression, it’s a positive.
“But it needs to be done ethically. [Fashion-Enter] can provide the support with skills and ensuring things are done correctly and that the factories are encouraged to do things the right way, so we don’t have any more scandals [linked to the poor working conditions found in Boohoo-supplying factories in 2020].”
Bertram said that brands considering Leicester for manufacturing opportunities should engage with local trade unions and promote safe working practices. Fashion-Enter is contributing to raising awareness of the latter by offering workers’ rights courses as part of its Fashion Technology Academy, which launched in 2015 in partnership with London’s Haringey Council.
Education on workers’ rights may not restore Leicester’s manufacturing industry to its former glory overnight, but are a step forward to rebuilding the reputational damage sustained in recent years. Ultimately, Leicester’s survival lies in the hands of the fashion retail industry.