Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M), the second-largest apparel retailer in the world, ranks joint 4th out of 65 companies. Compared to 2021, the company improved its rank by 5 places. This is because the company signed onto two legally binding labour rights agreements (Pakistan Accord and the Dindigul Agreement), joined the Employment Injury Scheme in Bangladesh, and began disclosing new data related to the percentage of migrant workforce in its supply chains and on its purchasing practices. Notably, H&M is the highest scoring company on the themes of Worker Voice and Purchasing Practices. However, with a score of 49/100, the company continues to have substantial scope for improvement on its prevention and management of forced labour risks.

KnowTheChain identified two public allegations of forced labour in the company’s supply chains. In response to one allegation, H&M discloses acceding to the Dindigul Agreement, which included the implementation, at the supplier in question, of union-led training, policy changes, access to an independent grievance mechanism staffed by external assessors appointed by, among others, union representatives, and worker-led monitoring, as well as publicly reporting on the progress of implementation and outcomes. In response to the second allegation, concerning alleged Uyghur forced labour, the company does not disclose the steps it has taken to address the risks of alleged Uyghur forced labour across raw materials and supply chain tiers.

Additional steps H&M could take to address forced labour risks in its supply chains, include strengthening its disclosure and practices on the themes of Commitment & Governance, Recruitment, and Remedy.