Ethical Trading Policy for Outsourced Products

Our Commitment

At Thomas Ferguson & Company Limited, we believe that business is driven by people, for people. The company maintains responsible supply-chain practices while outsourcing operations, prioritising human rights and worker well-being.

1.Scope and Compliance

• All business partners — including manufacturers, contractors and suppliers — must comply with these ethical standards.
• Major suppliers must formally sign and commit to these conditions before conducting business.
• Where local laws and this policy both apply, suppliers must follow whichever standard provides greater worker protection.

2.Core Ethical Standards

2.1 Employment is Freely Chosen (Zero Tolerance for Modern Slavery)

• Zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery, human trafficking and forced or bonded labour.
• Workers cannot be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with employers.
• Workers must be free to leave employment after reasonable notice.

2.2 Eradication of Child Labour

• Child labour is strictly prohibited.
• Minimum working age is 15 (or 14 where ILO exemptions apply), local legal minimum, or compulsory education age — whichever is highest.
• Legitimate apprenticeships are permitted if they don’t interfere with schooling or development.

2.3 Safe and Hygienic Working Conditions

• Suppliers must provide safe, healthy, hygienic environments complying with occupational health and safety laws.
• Adequate measures must prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Residential facilities must be clean, safe, and meet basic worker needs per local law.

2.4 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

• Recruitment and rewards based on merit and ability only.
• No discrimination in hiring, compensation, training, promotion or termination based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy.

2.5 Fair Wages and Benefits

• Wages and benefits for standard work weeks must meet national legal minimums or industry benchmarks, whichever is higher.
• Wages should meet basic needs and provide discretionary income (the “Living Wage” principle).
• Workers must receive written, understandable employment-condition information.

2.6 Reasonable Working Hours

• Working hours must comply with national laws, collective agreements and international standards.
• Standard hours (excluding overtime) cannot exceed 48 hours weekly.
• Total hours in any seven-day period cannot exceed 60 hours except in exceptional circumstances.
• Overtime must be voluntary, responsible and premium-compensated.

2.7 Humane Treatment and Fair Disciplinary Practices

• Physical abuse, threats, sexual harassment and intimidation are strictly prohibited.

2.8 Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

• Workers have the right to join or form trade unions and bargain collectively.
• Suppliers must maintain open attitudes toward union activities.
• Where legal restrictions exist, employers must facilitate alternative independent association methods.

2.9 Business Integrity and Trade Compliance

• Deceptive practices misrepresenting product origin to evade quotas are prohibited.
• Zero tolerance for bribery or corruption.