UK govt faces legal action for use of M'sian firm accused of labour abuses
The UK government is facing legal action for its continued dealings with a Malaysian glovemaker accused of labour abuses.
The UK-based The Independent reported that the High Court in the country has granted permission for a full judicial hearing on the matter.
The Citizens, a non-profit group, is challenging the UK government's decision to continue using the UK subsidiary of Malaysian-based Supermax for supplies of gloves for...
The UK government is facing legal action for its continued dealings with a Malaysian glovemaker accused of labour abuses.
The UK-based The Independent reported that the High Court in the country has granted permission for a full judicial hearing on the matter.
The Citizens, a non-profit group, is challenging the UK government's decision to continue using the UK subsidiary of Malaysian-based Supermax for supplies of gloves for government hospitals.
The UK news portal described the case as the first of its kind to consider the presence of modern slavery in the UK's supply chain.
“The High Court’s order outlines that there is an arguable claim of a grave breach of public law obligations to answer and thus permission for the case to proceed to a full judicial review hearing has been allowed.
“Whilst the High Court’s decision to grant permission is only the first stage of these legal proceedings, it is significant in that it is the first case in the English courts to consider the use of modern slavery in the government’s own procurement processes," Nusrat Uddin, the lead solicitor representing The Citizens, was quoted as saying by The Independent.
Alleged labour abuses
Supermax, which had faced a US probe over alleged labour abuses, maintained it had complied with labour laws.
It had implemented new policies for migrant workers and also provided compensation after facing sanctions by the US.
Canada has also terminated contracts with Supermax following the allegations.
In contrast, the UK in December last year entered into an agreement to award Supermax Healthcare Limited a contract to supply gloves, prompting a bid by The Citizens to challenge the deal.
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