Write to companies that you use as a customer

Dear Managing Director,

As a customer who uses your products regularly I am writing to seek assurances from you regarding the use of child labour in your manufacturing processes.

Child labour is a very complex issue and I would be very grateful if you would assure me that you have appropriate mechanisms in place for dealing with cases of child labour if you find them in your supply chain. I am definitely not calling on you immediately to eradicate child labour.

Child labour is a symptom of poverty and whilst its occurrence may cause us enormous heartache I do not believe that throwing the children out of work immediately is an adequate response. I believe that as an employer or contractor you have a responsibility to find alternative sources of income for children, to explore ways in which they can be educated alongside their work, and above all to ensure that the reason that they are working is not because of the low wages that you pay their parents!

As I am sure you are aware, child labour results from the necessity either to earn a basic subsistence or to fund an education. Therefore, there are many ways in which employers can tackle the issue. If parents are paid a humane wage, then the need to supplement the family income is negated. When money is provided for basic education, children need not pay for their own schooling. In short, by investing – modestly but long term - in the local community, the need for child labour can be incrementally reduced. And, moreover, a healthy, educated and loyal workforce can be fostered.

As a consumer I believe that employers and manufacturers have major responsibilities in this area and I would urge you to take the matter seriously.

I look forward to receiving your response.

Yours faithfully etc.

Please send copies of any replies that you receive to

Child Labour Campaign
War on Want
37-39 Great Guildford Street
London
SE1 0ES