Newly released research by two academics will name leading companies who do not have an ethical code of conduct for their overseas suppliers. This indicates their lack of concern about the working conditions under which their products are produced in developing countries.

The results of their research are revealed in the book Ethical Shopping, published by Fusion Press. The book is a rallying call to shoppers to use their retail power to make a difference. The authors, William Young and Richard Welford, show that where you shop matters.

Major amenities from banks to department stores were asked for information about their fair trade and ethical policies and were then given a ranking between one and five stars from the information they provided. The study showed that 89 percent of all retailers with their own-brand products produced in developing countries are below the 2 stars category. This means that the majority of the retailers do not have a code of conduct, are in the process of developing one or have one but without independent assurance of implementation.

The Body Shop scored highly whilst Benetton and French Connection scored only half a star. But as the book reveals, putting pressure on retailers to do more is not as simple as switching brands.

Ethical Shopping is a guidebook which empowers the shopper with information and advice on:

William Young is a lecturer in Environment and Business at the School of the Environment, University of Leeds. Richard Welford has written many books on all aspects of environmental management and ethics in business. As well as being an academic, he has worked as a consultant to a number of large international corporations. He is one of the leading experts worldwide on the new ethical and environmental issues impacting on business.

Published by Fusion Press, £7.99 paperback, ISBN 1904132081

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