The first Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) two-day workshop, on practical steps for Irish companies and suppliers exporting to the UK following Brexit, will take place in the Hub in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny on Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st March. The workshop will take participants through the practical steps needed to address ethical trading issues, referencing the ETI organisation Base Code, its internationally recognised code of labour standards. ETI training manager, Damien Egan, said: “The ETI organisation Base Code is backed by Supporting Quality Ireland and a number of UK based supermarket chains including Morrisons, Waitrose as well as Marks and Spencer. “Addressing labour rights issues in supply chains is difficult and an ongoing challenge. Suppliers should take advantage of this training so that they can learn how to practically implement any changes that may be necessary in order to fully meet the requirements of major supermarket chains in the UK.” He added: “The course is specifically geared towards the Irish food and farming sector. Our training is designed to help Irish companies and suppliers grow in confidence so that they can give reassurances to UK supermarkets that they are committed to implementing real change.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Orlagh Fawl, said: “SIPTU representatives will also be attending the workshop. We realise that addressing labour rights issues in the supply chain is difficult and an on-going challenge. With international labour legislation increasingly being firmed up, companies must take this issue seriously.” She added: “If companies and workers’ representatives in Ireland are fully up to speed on the current legislation and guidelines in the UK our agri-business sector will be in the best position to adapt to the conditions following Brexit.” The Kilkenny workshop will focus on three key areas. These are understanding the demands of UK supermarkets as they adapt to changes in legislation (including the Modern Slavery Act), knowing how Irish legislative changes can assist Irish businesses as well as giving practical assistance in mapping risks in supply chains and developing links between business, NGOs and trade unions.
Ethical Trading workshop for exporters to UK starts Thursday in Kilkenny
