About Us - Ethical Trading Policy

Ethical Trading Policy

Pavestone is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).

The ETI is an alliance of companies, trade union organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) committed to working together to ensure that the working conditions of employees in companies that supply goods to consumers in the UK meet or exceed international standards.

211 million of the world's children under 15 (one in five) works full or part-time.

At least 20 million people are affected by bonded labour.

One in four people in the world live on less than a dollar a day.

At a most basic level, these are the reasons that ETI exists.

By adopting the ETI Base Code and working with other ETI members, Pavestone is seeking to assist in the process of establishing new standards of working practice so as to provide a better quality of life for those employed in the quarrying and processing of natural stone in India.

The ETI Base Code

1. Employment should be freely chosen with no forced, bonded or involuntary labour.

2. Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.

3. A safe and healthy working environment shall be provided.

4. Child labour shall not be used.

5. Wages should always be enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income.

6. Working hours are not excessive and comply with national laws and benchmark industry standards.

7. Workers should be treated equally regardless of race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital
status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.

8. Regular employment for individuals should be provided where work is ongoing.

9. No harsh or inhumane treatment of workers. Physical abuse (or threat of), sexual or other harassment including
verbal abuse or intimidation shall be prohibited.

For further information on the Ethical Trading Initiative and the Base Code please visit: www.ethicaltrade.org

Our preferred Indian natural stone supplier is regularly audited for compliance to the ETI Base Code and has been certified for compliance by QS Services, Zurich, a leading Swiss independent auditing company. View certificates here.