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Art File Statement

31 October 2017

Following a recent report found on the BBC News Website where a man forced people to pack greeting cards in squalid conditions for little to no money at all. Some have commented that this was modern day slavery.

We would like to release a statement announcing that The Art File completely condemns any misuse of Human Rights, Slavery, and anything else under these topics in the workplace, domestic or any other place. It has no place in the world we live in.

 The Art File has used the same finishing house in Lincolnshire for over 15 years. This company conducts regular reviews of their staff and conditions. Following this despicable case we will be adding a statement to our website to the effect that The Art File also follows SMETA guidelines for all manual work carried out on our behalf by a third party. The Art File is a member of Sedex and we are required to follow strict guidelines on working conditions both here in the UK and overseas by some of the major customers we work with.

 The Art File uses two main sources in the United Kingdom when it comes to warehousing and packing. Here is a statement from our packing warehouse, based in Lincolnshire, 'We have a very close relationship with the packers we use, and continue to enjoy a regular stream of communication, checks and balances when it comes to quality control and workplace standards.'

 Furthermore, a statement from the warehousing company that The Art File has enjoyed a very close relationship with for over 20 years. 'Following recent news of a local case, we would like to clarify our position. 2WL Ltd has always employed workers in line with current legislation. Where we use an Agency, we ensure full compliance by regular checks and ensure payments are at or above legal minimums. We specifically ensure that our outworkers are full employees, with all legal rights on pay, holidays, pensions, and have done that from the very start of the business. We never pay cash in hand. Finally, we totally condemn any abuse of human rights in employment. We are ethically audited by a major UK retailer every year, and are fully compliant. '

 The Art File urge other businesses in its market sector to continue to carry out regular checks on all employees and their working conditions.