Example in Action: Primark's Code of Conduct

Primark building under a blue sky in Bonn Germany
Photo Credit: Paul Siewert_Unsplash

Here is a sample of code of conduct provisions on forced labor and child labor, taken from the Primark Code of Conduct:

  • Employment is freely chosen
    • There must be no forced or compulsory labor in any form, including bonded, indentured, trafficked, or prison labor, and overtime must be voluntary.
    • Any fees associated with the employment of Workers must be paid by the Employer.
    • Workers must not be required to lodge any monetary deposits or their identity papers with their Employer.
    • Workers must be free to leave their Employer after reasonable notice [without having to pay legal or other fees].
  • Child labor must not be used
    • There must be no recruitment or employment of child labor.
    • In any given country, the minimum working age, as well as rules regarding the employment of a Young Worker, will be defined by the conventions of the ILO or national/regional law, whichever affords greater protection to the individual. For clarity, Young Worker in this context refers to an individual above the legal working age but before their 18th birthday.
    • Companies must have policies and programs which prevent the recruitment and employment of child labor.

DOL welcomes examples of good practices 
to address child labor and forced labor. 

Email us at GlobalKids@dol.gov.