Sainsbury's Human Rights Supply Chain Engagement Case Study

This case study outlines the engagement efforts of Hermes EOS with Sainsbury’s regarding human rights and living wages in its supply chains. Since 2008, Hermes EOS has raised concerns about systemic risks in global food supply chains, particularly in relation to human and labour rights. The engagement intensified following a 2018 Oxfam report, which highlighted significant risks faced by UK food retailers. Over the years, Hermes EOS has consistently engaged with Sainsbury’s leadership, encouraging the endorsement of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the implementation of a human rights impact assessment. The case study details Sainsbury’s progress, including its commitment to the Sustainable Trade Initiative’s Living Wage Roadmap and the establishment of a human rights saliency assessment. The company has set ambitious goals for paying living wages across priority supply chains by 2030 and has implemented new policies to support compliance among suppliers. The next steps involve further collaboration with industry partners to tackle complex supply chain issues.