The Impact for Workers – Connection and Collaboration event hosted by FAB-L (Fashion-workers Advice Bureau – Leicester) on Wednesday, June 12th, was a significant and impactful gathering aimed at improving the garment manufacturing sector in Leicester. The event brought together various stakeholders, including FCFTA Leicester, Labour Behind the Label, Transform Trade, The University of Manchester, Stronger Together, Just Good Work, and others, to focus on creating a supportive ecosystem for the industry and its workers.

The core aim was to highlight the positive aspects of Leicester’s garment manufacturing sector and to explore collective efforts to promote fair labour practices. The event attracted garment and textile suppliers and emphasised giving garment workers a voice.

Jenny Holloway, CEO, and Divya Kamath from Fashion-Enter Ltd / FCFTA Leicester, were present to discuss how they can support the industry with essential training and courses, such as the Level 1 Award in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation, along with technical skills training for Made in the UK supply chains. Jenny Holloway expressed her appreciation for the invitation and acknowledged the great work FAB-L has been doing on the ground. She agreed on the need for garment workers to have a voice and supported the idea of having an adjudicator with legal powers of enforcement for the industry.

Jenny also highlighted the unique opportunities in the Leicester region, noting its strong fabric and trimmings base and skilled workforce, which contribute to its own circular economy. She stressed the importance of action from brands and introspection within companies to drive change, which, although painful, is necessary for survival.

Looking ahead, Jenny mentioned that when FCFTA moves to Phoenix House this summer, they will be opening a Fashion Studio concept, a repair facility with the United Repair Centre, and providing specialist short courses for employers to upskill for new jobs. She pointed out the high unemployment rate in Leicester (6.7% compared to the UK average of 3.7%) and the need for change.

Jenny thanked Tarek and Priya Thamotheram for their passion and dedication to Highfields, as well as Natasha Bridget and the team for making the event possible. She called for continued dialogue and new ways forward.

Brands supporting Leicester at this event included Boohoo Group PLC, The Very Group, and New Look. The goal is to make Leicester a special enterprise zone ready to ‘Clothe the World’ again!