Bailing out the supply chain: COVID19 and the impacts for workers in supply chains

In this paper we explore the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on supply chains using the specific case of the hard-hit garment supply chain. This paper proposes a way forward for brands, retailers and policymakers to mitigate the impacts of the crisis and to strengthen resilience moving forward.

Brands and retailers must honour their contracts to their suppliers and work with suppliers to ensure workers who don’t benefit from social protection coverage have the means to survive during this crisis.

Secondly, donor governments and international organisations must come together and establish social protection floors in production countries, as well as regulatory reform in countries where brands and retailers are domiciled.