Human Rights Policy

The East Coast Group Ltd
Human Rights Policy

Respect for Human Rights is fundamental to the business of The East Coast Group, we are committed to ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect across our employees and supply chain. Our policy is guided by international Human Rights principles encompassed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We are committed to working with and encouraging our stakeholders to uphold the principles in this policy and to adopt similar policies within their businesses and supply chains.

Respect for Human Rights.
We respect the Human Rights of everyone and are committed to identify, prevent and mitigate adverse Human Rights impacts, resulting from or caused by our business activities. We are committed to engaging in dialogue with stakeholders on Human Rights issues related to our business.

Valuing Diversity.
We value the diversity of the people with whom we work and the contributions they make. We are dedicated to maintaining workplaces that are free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, colour, national or social origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, political opinion or any other status protected by applicable law. The basis for recruitment, hiring, placement, training, compensation and advancement within our suppliers is qualifications, performance, skills and experience. We do not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment, unfair treatment or retaliation of any kind. These principles apply to our own employees and all stakeholders we work with.

Health & Safety in the Workplace.
We provide a safe workplace for all employees which complies with applicable Health & Safety laws, regulations and our own Health & Safety Policy. We are dedicated to maintaining a productive workplace by minimizing the risk of accidents, injury and exposure to health risks. We are committed to engaging with our employees and suppliers to continually improve health and safety in the workplace.

Working Hours, Wages and Benefits.
We compensate employees competitively relative to the industry and local labour market. We operate in full compliance with applicable wage, working hours, overtime and benefit laws.

Child Labour.
Children or young people must not be employed below the statutory minimum age in their respective country where they operate. The exploitive use of child labour is totally unacceptable to The East Coast Group. It is not acceptable for any form of work to deprive a child of their childhood, their potential and dignity or be harmful to their physical and mental development including interfering with their education.

We prohibit the hiring of individuals that are under 18 years of age for positions in which hazardous work is required.

If we become aware of child labour being employed in connection with the manufacturer of our products The East Coast Group will instigate an appropriate programme in co-operation with the local employers and child welfare agencies, focusing on the best interests for the child.

Workplace Security.
We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is secure and safe for employees and free from violence, harassment, intimidation and other unsafe or disruptive conditions.

Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
We strictly prohibit the use of all forms of forced labour, including prison labour, bonded labour, slave labour and any form of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
We respect the right of our employees to form or join a labour union without any fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment. Where employees are represented by a legally recognized union, we are committed to establishing a constructive dialogue with their freely chosen representatives.

Guidance and Reporting for Employees.
We create a workplace which encourages open and honest communications among all employees which are valued and respected. If they have any questions about this policy or if they would like to report a potential violation they should raise those questions and concerns through existing confidential processes. Employees are free to approach their supervisors / managers and arrange a meeting knowing that any conversations are strictly confidential. No reprisal or retaliatory action will be taken against any employee for raising concerns under this policy.

The East Coast Group is committed to investigating, addressing and responding to the concerns of employees and to take appropriate corrective action in response to any issues identified or violation of this policy.