A group of trade unions, campaigners and community groups have today (31 October) written to 24 UK fashion retailers including M&S, Next and Matalan to ask them to support garment production in Leicester.

Signatories include workers’ rights organisation Labour Behind the Label, GMB Union, IWGB Union, not-for-profit training organisation and manufacturer Fashion Enter, campaign group Make It British, members from Leicester University and Bath University and other community groups.

The letter reads: “We know that the fashion industry operates complex global supply chains, but a simple commitment to 1% of brands’ production to be sourced from Leicester will send an important message from the leaders in UK fashion.

“It will show that fashion brands understand they need to adapt and to behave responsibly to the people who make their clothes, and take account of the realities of our changing climate.”

It goes on to say that Leicester could become “a beacon of ethical fashion production” with decent wages, workers’ rights guarantees and a commitment to training and upskilling the workforce.

Alena Ivanova, campaigns lead at Labour Behind the Label, said: “We call on UK fashion brands to act now and show they are truly committed to making a positive difference for communities here. Garment workers in Leicester have given decades to this industry. It’s not right that they should see their jobs disappear, while brands continue to produce more and more, but chase a cheaper price abroad.

“There is a huge opportunity here to set an example. A 1% commitment locally would enable suppliers to invest, workers to upskill and brands to benefit from the environmental advantage – and the reputational boost more responsible behaviour would grant them.”