Apparel Online India Magazine May 2nd Issue 2018 | Page 20

SUSTAINABILITY HAVE YOUR SAY BREAKING NEWS Tell us your news by emailing at [email protected] To read the latest sustainability news, go to https://apparelresources.com/business-news/sustainability/  Sweden pledges constant support to improve workplace safety in Bangladesh's apparel units The Government of Sweden has pledged to continue its financial assistance towards improving the workplace environment in Bangladesh’s apparel manufacturing industry. Charlotta Schlyter, Ambassador of Sweden deputed to Bangladesh, delivered the assurance while meeting State Minister for Labour and Employment, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, at the latter’s Secretariat office in Dhaka. Sweden, in partnership with the Norway Government, is currently engaged in a social dialogue focused on developing the relationship between workers and owners at the readymade garment factories in Bangladesh. thanked the Ambassador for the support and highlighted that the industry is on the way to deliver bigger promises and contribute more to the overall development of the country. The officials of the two countries also discussed the friendly relationship between the two countries and hoped that bilateral relations will grow deeper in the future. Charlotta Schlyter, the ambassador of Sweden deputed to Bangladesh, meeting State Minister for Labour and Employment, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, at the latter’s Secretariat office in Dhaka Schlyter expressed her profound satisfaction in the progress of the project, all the while emphasising that Sweden Government is ready to offer assistance to Bangladesh for all necessary work towards developing workplace safety at Bangladesh’s factories. Haque Ashraf Shamim, Additional Secretary to Ministry of Labour and Employment, Khandaker Mostan Hossain, another Additional Secretary to the Ministry, and Aminul Islam, Joint Secretary, were among others present in the meeting. M&S aims to create ‘ideal' environment for employees UK-based apparel and home retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has come up with a concept termed ‘Ideal Day’ for its employees. This is with regards to improving and creating an ideal working space for the employees’ well-being, in terms of health and safety. The company will stress on creating a healthy working environment through appropriate sunlight access, besides improving the aesthetics of internal working space is also on their top priority. This comes to the spotlight because the brand has significantly recognised the importance of keeping its internal resources happy, automatically resulting in better productivity. Also, good mental and physical health of a service provider leads to happy customers, M&S said in the press release issued. The ‘Ideal Day’ concept would work as a great support in M&S workspace and lead to overall brand soundness. To procure the benefits of an Ideal Day, safety and security stand as the major factors, which are undeniably essential requirements. This is closely followed by amenities for breaks and lighting. Break 20 Apparel Online India | MAY 16-31, 2018 | www.apparelresources.com intervals are as essential as the working hours here, the company believes. Efficient lighting, which is friendly to the eyes and less strenuous, supports well for an ideal environment. Cycle space, good-sized lockers and a working space with adequate temperature control pose as other ‘ideal day’ prominent features for a retail worker, the release added. M&S will make sure that workers get all the facilities at the workplace. The company understands the current gloomy retail scenario in the UK and aims to make its employee feel happy and secured. The retailer believes it will boost the staff in working harder for the betterment of the employer which will drive long-term success.