Ethical Trading Initiative
At BBS Natural Stone, we take the treatment of workers extremely seriously. As full members of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) we are committed to ensuring that all of BBS's suppliers, both here in the UK and overseas, work and trade ethically.
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers' rights around the globe. Its vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity. It ensures workers, worldwide, have safe working conditions, avoid child exploitation and constantly improve conditions through education.
The work BBS has carried out towards compliance has enabled us to gain full membership to the Ethical Trading Initiative. We are fully committed to ethical trade, and adopt a code of labour practice and expect all our suppliers to work towards this too. The codes address issues like wages, hours of work, health and safety and the right to join free trade unions.
We work closely with our supply chains to ensure that ethical work practices are implemented and followed. By supporting our suppliers with practical assistance, for example, by gifting Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for suppliers employees or giving assistance on health and safety initiatives, we continually demonstrate our commitment to promote respect for workers’ rights worldwide.
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ETI ArticleEthical Trading & BBS: Working with the ITF
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ETI Article
Ethical Trading & BBS: Offering Elected Representation and Freedom of Association
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ETI Article
Ethical Trading through the Covid-19 Pandemic
ETI UpdateOur very own Kevin Hives took a panel seat at the General Merchanting Sector of the recent Ethical Trading Initiative’s Corporate Roundtable Event.
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ETI Update
As full members of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) BBS is committed to ensuring that all of our suppliers, both in the UK and overseas, work and trade ethically.
Our goals and needs for the ETI are communicated to our supply chains, and the need for our suppliers to buy in to the work we are undertaking is fixed.
Our commitment to responsible sourcing practices is total, and our plans and objectives are continually monitored to ensure our due diligence practices are maintained. We work closely with our supply chains and with the employees as well as the employers.
Constantly working to promote the ethical trade initiative, we are proud of our values and know that as one of the leading natural stone suppliers in the UK, our ethical footprint ensures that the natural stone and hard landscaping materials for your project - whether it is a multi-million pound city centre redevelopment, housing development or single private dwelling, has been extracted, finished and transported ethically.
Further details of the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code can be found here.
Our Commitment to Ethical Trading
The ETI Base Code is founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is an internationally recognised code of labour practice. As an Ethical Trading Iniative Member, BBS is committed to these foundational principles as a mimimum, and we work diligently across our organisation to further our work in this area.
Employment is freely chosen
Slavery and bonded labour are totally unacceptable. Almost 21 million people are victims of forced labour.
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
Tens of thousands of workers lose their jobs every year for attempting to form or join a trade union or improve working conditions. Some even lose their lives.
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
An estimated 2.3 million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases.
Child labour shall not be used
168 million children work to support their families, missing out on education and often damaging their health. This reinforces the cycle of poverty.
Living wages are paid
Roughly half the world's population still lives on two dollars a day. If people can't feed their families on an adult's wage, they may send their children to work.
Working hours are not excessive
Long working hours are the norm for most of the world's workers. This damages people's health and undermines family life.
No discrimination is practised
Women and certain minorities are often confined to the lowest-paid jobs with no access to training or promotion.
Regular employment is provided
Most workers can be laid off when it suits the employer. This fuels poverty and insecurity and drives down wages.
No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Few workers have protection against physical, verbal or sexual abuse in the workplace.