Modern Slavery & Ethical Sourcing Policy
Gripperz Socks Wholesale Modern Slavery & Ethical Sourcing Policy
Gripperz Socks is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. As part of our wholesale operations, we require all workers, agents, contractors, and suppliers within our supply chain to adhere to the highest ethical and labour standards.
This policy applies to all wholesale partners, suppliers, and their subcontractors and must be complied with as a condition of doing business with Gripperz Socks.
1. Prohibition of Forced Labour & Modern Slavery
All forms of forced labour, bonded labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking are strictly prohibited.
Workers, including migrant workers, must be free to cancel their work contracts at any time with no financial penalty, subject only to providing reasonable notice in line with local laws or collective agreements.
Workers and agents must never withhold worker identity papers, immigration documents, or any personal records.
Employment must always be voluntary.
2. Child Labour & Protection of Young Workers
The employment of children is strictly prohibited.
The worst forms of child labour—including hazardous work or work interfering with education—are explicitly banned.
All suppliers must conduct document checks (including proof of age) before employment begins to confirm workers are legally permitted to work under local law and Gripperz Socks’ standards.
3. Wages, Contracts & Transparency
Wages must meet applicable host country legal requirements. Where no legal minimum wage exists, wages must align with the prevailing sector wage.
Workers must receive detailed and accurate written work agreements (or similar work papers) before beginning employment. If relocation is required, documents must be provided prior to relocation.
Work agreements must be provided in a language understood by the worker.
4. Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity
Discrimination before hiring, during employment, or upon leaving employment is strictly prohibited.
Protected attributes include: race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, age, HIV/AIDS status, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, trade union membership, or union-related activities.
Workers must be treated with dignity and respect in all circumstances.
5. Ethical Recruitment
Workers must not be charged recruitment, hiring, or placement fees at any stage.
Agents and suppliers are prohibited from profiting from worker recruitment practices.
Recruitment must always be transparent, fair, and compliant with local laws.
6. Prohibition of Exploitation
Workers, agents, and suppliers are prohibited from procuring commercial sex acts for the duration of any business contract with Gripperz Socks.
7. Freedom of Association & Collective Bargaining
Gripperz Socks has a written policy explicitly ensuring workers have the right to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly in accordance with local laws.
No worker will be penalised, harassed, or discriminated against for exercising these rights.
8. Supplier Due Diligence & Risk Assessments
All suppliers must complete a Modern Slavery Risk Assessment prior to onboarding as a wholesale partner.
Suppliers must renew this risk assessment at least annually as part of their ongoing engagement with Gripperz Socks.
Gripperz Socks reserves the right to audit, inspect, or request evidence of compliance at any time.
9. Compliance & Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension, termination of contracts, or removal as a wholesale partner.
Suppliers must promptly report any actual or suspected violations of this policy.
Gripperz Socks is committed to working with suppliers to address risks and remediate issues where possible.
10. Continuous Improvement
Gripperz Socks recognises the evolving nature of human rights risks in global supply chains. We are committed to ongoing training, supplier engagement, and continuous improvement to uphold ethical sourcing and fair labour standards.