Fashion Roundtable's Policy Recommendations for the General Election
Image: Delivering a Sector Vision for Fashion. Credit: Fashion Roundtable
As the UK approaches a pivotal general election, the future of various industries, including fashion, hangs in the balance. This election represents a crucial juncture where political decisions will significantly impact economic growth, sustainability, and social justice. Historically, elections have often served as turning points for policy changes that influence industrial practices. For instance, the Labour Government's introduction of the National Minimum Wage in 1998 transformed worker rights across sectors, including fashion. Similarly, the 2015 Paris Agreement commitments, integrated into national policies post-elections in multiple countries, have driven sustainability pledges and climate action across industries.
For the fashion industry, the stakes are particularly high. The sector is not only a significant contributor to the UK economy but also a major player in global supply chains. The outcomes of this election could redefine how the industry navigates challenges related to sustainability, worker rights, and economic pressures. The policies adopted by the next government will determine whether the UK can lead the way in creating a more sustainable, fair, and innovative fashion industry. It is within this critical context that Fashion Roundtable presents its comprehensive policy recommendations, aiming to influence the political agenda and ensure the industry's future prosperity.
Fashion Roundtable is advocating for comprehensive policy changes to transform the fashion industry into a model of sustainability, inclusivity, and economic resilience. Our Sector Vision Report outlines key recommendations that address the pressing challenges faced by the industry and propose actionable solutions to ensure a thriving future.
1. Restriction-Free Movement for UK Talent Fashion Roundtable advocates for frictionless travel and reduced red tape for fashion creatives and businesses between the UK and EU member states. This includes negotiating bilateral agreements and securing a cabotage exemption for the creative and cultural sectors. Such measures are essential to maintain the UK's competitive edge in the global fashion industry and to support the free movement of talent. Historical precedents show that when trade and movement are restricted, industries suffer. For example, post-Brexit complexities have already strained UK-EU fashion industry relations, emphasizing the need for smoother processes.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) The UK must commit to including fashion and textiles in its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This initiative aims to reduce the industry's carbon footprint, targeting Net Zero by 2050. Incentivizing sustainable practices among UK-based manufacturers will not only benefit the environment but also position the UK as a leader in sustainable fashion. EPR has been successfully implemented in various European countries, like France, where it has significantly reduced waste and promoted recycling. Our report highlights that adopting such measures in the UK could significantly reduce the 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2e emitted annually by the fashion industry.
3. Reinstating the VAT Retail Export Scheme The refusal to reinstate the VAT Retail Export Scheme has resulted in a significant economic loss. We urge the government to reconsider this decision, which has gifted business to the EU. Reinstating the scheme could boost the economy by an estimated £10bn annually, particularly relevant with major events like the Olympics and the prominence of Charles de Gaulle Airport over Heathrow. This scheme would make UK shopping more attractive to international tourists, boosting retail and associated sectors. Historical data shows that during events like the 2012 London Olympics, tax-free shopping significantly boosted retail revenues.
4. Regenerating High Streets Revitalizing high streets is crucial for supporting UK businesses and protecting local communities. Fashion Roundtable recommends amending Section 172 of the Companies Act to ensure businesses prioritize workers, customers, and environmental protection. We advocate for a long-term view of social prescribing and community wellbeing through skills such as mending and making, similar to Wales’ Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. High streets are the backbone of local economies, and policies that support their regeneration have proven effective, as seen with Germany’s ‘Aktive Stadt- und Ortsteilzentren’ program, which revitalized urban centers and boosted local economies.
5. Greater Support for On-Shoring and British Made To strengthen UK manufacturing, we call for greater support for on-shoring and a commitment to British-made products. This includes adding garment workers to the Shortage Occupation List and aligning business needs with university and FE college training to plug the skills gap. Tax incentives for B Corps and companies with positive social and environmental contributions are also essential. Historical examples like the ‘Buy American’ provisions in the United States show that government support can significantly bolster domestic manufacturing.
6. Ethical Work Conditions for Garment Workers Ensuring decent work conditions for garment workers is at the heart of our mission. We advocate for the creation of a single enforcement body to monitor worker rights, collaboration among labor enforcement agencies, and a commitment to end zero-hour contracts. The establishment of a Garment Fair Purchasing regulator would hold companies accountable for their practices. The Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh highlighted the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of labor standards. While Labour’s plan addresses some of these concerns, more specific policies for the fashion sector are necessary.
7. Inclusivity in the Fashion Sector Fashion Roundtable supports initiatives to increase inclusivity within the fashion sector. This includes targeted apprenticeships, paid internships, and start-up schemes for people with disabilities, as well as rigorous monitoring and reporting to increase representation. We recommend adopting a policy similar to the European Accessibility Act to ensure access to content and venues. Historically, inclusive policies have driven economic growth by tapping into diverse talent pools, as seen in countries like Canada, where inclusive employment practices have boosted GDP.
8. Support for Creative Wellbeing We propose a Creative Wellbeing Economy that values craft, creativity, community, and inclusivity. This new systems approach redefines success and places opportunity and access for all at its core, supporting meaningful and rewarding work. Creative economies thrive when policies support the arts and crafts sectors, as demonstrated by the ‘Creative Ireland’ program, which has significantly boosted Ireland’s creative sector.
In evaluating the Labour Party's commitments, it is clear that their plan, "Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay," aligns closely with many of our goals. Labour’s pledge to ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, ensure fair wages, and enhance worker protections is commendable. Labour promises to introduce legislation within 100 days of taking office to ensure a "New Deal for Working People," which includes significant upgrades to workers' rights, such as banning fire and rehire practices, securing a real living wage, and making work more secure. However, more clarity is needed on how these policies will specifically benefit the fashion industry, particularly in terms of supporting garment workers and addressing the complex global supply chains. Labour’s emphasis on fair pay, enhanced workers’ rights from day one, and tackling the gig economy indicates a strong pro-worker stance. We still await detailed commitments from other major political parties to fully understand their positions on these crucial issues.
The 2019 general election provided a clear lesson on the importance of sustainability pledges. The Conservative Party, which won a significant majority, pledged to reach Net Zero by 2050, a commitment that has driven subsequent policy frameworks. However, the lack of specific measures for industries like fashion has left gaps in implementation. This highlights the need for more detailed, sector-specific policies in manifestos, ensuring that broad commitments translate into actionable plans that can genuinely impact sustainability and industry practices.
Fashion Roundtable urges all political parties to incorporate these recommendations into their election manifestos to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for the UK fashion industry. Together, we can create an industry that not only leads in creativity but also champions ethical and environmental responsibility.