Ballyclare has committed to ensuring all of its products are manufactured by employees working in decent conditions. As well as complying with national laws and the Ethical Trading Initiative, we work to conform to the requirements of the SA8000 Standard and have an Assurance Statement to certify our ongoing commitment to the standard and the international instruments included within it.

Ballyclare shall:

• Not engage in or support the use of child labour
• Not engage in or support the use of any form of forced or compulsory labour
• Provide a safe and healthy workplace environment and shall take effective steps to prevent potential health and safety incidents and occupational injury or illness arising out of, associated with or occurring in, the course of work
• Support its employees’ rights to Freedom of Association and to collective bargaining; all personnel shall have the right to form, join and organise trade unions of their choice that will bargain collectively on their behalf with the organisation
• Not engage in or support any form of discrimination in any aspect of its employment practices
• Treat all personnel with dignity and respect and shall not engage in or tolerate the use of corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of personnel; no harsh or inhumane treatment is tolerated
• Respect the right of personnel to a living wage and ensure that wages for a normal working week, not including overtime, shall always meet at least legal or industry minimum standards, or collective bargaining agreements
• Ensure that working hours are not excessive Ensure that regular employment is guaranteed.

In addition to ensuring that its own operations comply with these requirements, Ballyclare shall ensure that all its suppliers are aware of, and comply with these requirements. Full details of these policy requirements can be found on the Social Accountability International website and the Ethical Trading Initiative website.

Ballyclare recognises the importance of combatting the risks of servitude, forced labour and human trafficking in all our operations. Our corporate values centre on the principle that employment should be freely chosen and our processes built on an ethical foundation. We are committed to continuously improving our practices to identify and remediate modern slavery. To find out more and read our Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides Ballyclare with a vehicle for integrating sustainability into its operational processes. Managing the value chain involves numerous sustainability aspects to a greater or lesser degree. As client, manufacturer, supplier and partner within various value chains, Ballyclare is constantly working at creating sustainable innovations in many different areas. CSR involves striving towards a balance between People (social and ethical aspects), Planet (ecological and environmental aspects) and Profit (economic and operational aspects). Ballyclare aims at transparent and ethical business operations. This goal is structurally embedded in the various facets of the organisation and its operations. The division has further defined, drafted and organised Ballyclare CSR policies in accordance with the structure, content and principles of the CSR Performance Policy.

Corporate and Social Responsibility Scope

Ballyclare recognise a sustainable business process to be of primary importance in the creation of sustainable value for all parties involved in our business through the implementation of sound operational practices and execution of the company’s moral obligations. Ballyclare is committed to the development, implementation and maintenance of internationally recognised standards of health and safety, environmental, social, economic and business management.

Social Issues

We recognise our requirement to be socially responsible and we carry this out as follows:

• Operate equal opportunities policy
• Provide good, safe-working conditions, rewarding loyalty and initiative, encouraging employee training & retraining
• Exist in harmony with our neighbours, co-operating and supporting initiatives including crime and pollution issues

Economic Issues

The need for strong financial management and reinvestment is the basis of our approach towards economic issues:

• Achieving economic stability and growth without adversely affecting social and environment issues
• Dedicated commitment towards increasing business activity within the UK
• Paying creditors promptly.

Environment Issues

Certification to ISO 14001 with our objectives focusing on:

• Minimisation of waste, packaging, emissions and pollution generally
• Recycling of materials wherever possible
• Commitment towards WEEE & other relevant regulations.

Social Compliance Policy Statement

We are strongly committed to meeting not only our legal obligations under current and any future legislation in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), but to our moral obligation in following good practices in the identification and implementation of the measures needed to control any risks associated with activities. Read our Social Compliance Policy Statement.

Goodwill and Charity Work

We undertake many forms of goodwill and charity work to ensure we give back to the communities we work with. As a modern and forward-thinking business, social responsibility is a core strand of our corporate DNA and we pride ourselves on the work we do to support countries and communities less fortunate than ourselves.