Promoting ethical trade

Ethical trading standards include: (1) Employment is freely chosen: no forced or bonded labour is allowed; (2) Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected: workers can form trade unions and other organisations to represent them; (3) Working conditions are safe and hygienic; (4) No child labour is allowed; (5) Living wages are paid to all workers; (6) Working hours are not excessive; (7) No discrimination is practised in any working conditions on the basis of race, caste, national origin, religion, age disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership of political affiliation; (8) Regular employment is provided, through formal contracts; and (9) No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed: workers must not be physically, sexually or verbally abused or intimidated.

The term 'ethical trade' is sometimes also used to refer to other types of trade that pursue objectives over and above profit, particularly protection of the environment. For example, trade in organically produced goods, or in timber from forests certified as being managed sustainably, is sometimes referred to as 'ethical'.

The UK Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a partnership of high street companies, NGOs (including Traidcraft Exchange, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Save the Children, the Fairtrade Foundation and others) and trades unions, with support from the government. ETI's aim is to ensure that internationally recognised labour standards, in particular fundamental human rights in the workplace, are observed at all stages in the production of high street goods sold in the UK. ETI's work is based on standards laid down in Conventions agreed under the International Labour Organisation.