Our Impact
In 2025, we worked with Waitrose to better understand and address risks linked to home-based work in its supply chain in Bangladesh.
Homeworking is a significant but often hidden part of global supply chains. In Bangladesh alone, an estimated two million workers are engaged in home-based production, many of them women balancing income generation with family responsibilities. For mothers caring for children with disabilities or other caregiving needs, homeworking can provide a critical source of income that traditional factory jobs cannot accommodate.
However, the informal nature of homeworking also presents significant challenges for companies seeking to uphold responsible sourcing standards. Without adequate transparency and oversight, homeworkers may fall outside formal monitoring systems, increasing risks related to poor working conditions, low wages, lack of grievance mechanisms and potential child labour.
Through a targeted risk assessment, we helped Waitrose gain deeper visibility into these conditions within its supply chain. The assessment identified both the important role homeworkers play in production and the gaps in protections and working conditions that need to be addressed to ensure responsible sourcing.
Following the assessment, Waitrose took steps to strengthen oversight and support for homeworkers. This included increasing funding channelled back to women in the supply chain through local partners, extending production lead times, and helping suppliers secure additional orders to support more stable incomes for homeworkers. Planned improvements also include better ventilation, ergonomic workspaces, health and safety training, and clearer guidance on appropriate tasks for children to help prevent child labour risks.
For brands sourcing from complex and informal production environments, addressing risks related to homeworking is an important part of credible human rights due diligence. We are proud of our collaboration with Waitrose to better protect vulnerable workers while contributing towards more resilient and responsible sourcing models.
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