UNCLAIMED

Marks and Spencer

Overview

Marks and Spencer (M&S) is a prominent retail company based in the United Kingdom, specializing in apparel and accessories. Founded in 1884, M&S has grown to employ over 10,000 individuals and generates significant annual revenue. The company is committed to responsible sourcing and has engaged in initiatives to address human rights issues in its supply chains. A notable example is the joint Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) conducted with Waitrose in 2021, focusing on the Kenyan smallholder tea supply chain. This assessment was commissioned in response to recognized human rights challenges and aimed to enhance understanding of the sector's dynamics. M&S and Waitrose collaborated with their supplier, Ringtons, and the third-party organization Partner Africa to develop an evidence-based action plan, which was first published in January 2023. The companies remain dedicated to transparency, with plans to publicly share findings and updates on their progress in addressing the identified challenges. This reflects M&S's broader commitment to ethical practices within its operations and supply chains.