apetito, a leading UK food producer for the health and social care sector, has joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), an alliance of socially conscious companies, trade unions and NGOs that are committed to promoting and respecting workers’ rights around the globe.
Paul Freeston, Chief Executive, explains: “Our mission at apetito is to ‘make a real difference’ and I am delighted to be working with ETI. We are serious about improving working conditions throughout our supply chain and recognise the support that ETI can provide. All employees, wherever they work, should be free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity.”
ETI member companies adopt the ETI Base Code, which is an internationally recognised code of labour practice. Member companies are also expected to demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical trade, integrate ethical trade into their core business practices, work with suppliers to drive year-on-year improvements to working conditions and report openly and accurately about their activities and achievements. apetito joins ETI as a Foundation stage member and will receive structured support and direction as it establishes the core elements of its ethical trading programme.
Lee Sheppard, Director of Public Policy and External Affairs, adds: “apetito is committed to promoting ethical trade, both within our own business and with our suppliers. We are proud of our commitment that 100% of our employees will be earning, as a minimum, a Living Wage by January 2016 and also that we have been committed to the principles of the ETI Base Code for a number of years. The rigorous application process to join ETI is a further demonstration of our commitment.”
ETI Director Peter McAllister says: “We are pleased to welcome apetito as an ETI member; a UK food company with strong community values. Becoming an ETI member, and publicly adopting international labour rights standards, seems to be a natural progression for this socially-committed business. We very much look forward to supporting apetito on its ethical trade journey.”
