Ethical Trading Policy
This is the policy every Gymletics supplier is held to. It sets out the working conditions we expect across our supply chain and the standards we will not compromise on.
Built on standards suppliers already recognise.
Gymletics is a small UK activewear brand. We design our products in Staffordshire and manufacture them in China through a small group of partner factories. This policy applies to every one of those suppliers without exception.
The clauses below are taken from the UK Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, the most widely recognised supplier-conduct standard in the UK garment industry. It is built on conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). We have adopted it as-is rather than writing our own, because suppliers and auditors already recognise this framework, and because the language has been refined over decades of practice.
How this policy works in practice is set out in our Modern Slavery Statement, which describes how we monitor, audit, and visit our suppliers each year.
Nine clauses. Zero compromise.
- Workers must be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.
- It is not acceptable for employees to have to lodge identity papers or deposits with their employer.
- All workers, regardless of union status, are treated fairly and are not discriminated against.
- Employers must adopt a fair and open attitude to the activities of trade unions.
- Where local law restricts these rights, employers must allow independent and free association and bargaining.
- Where specific hazards are inherent to the industry, the employer must ensure the safety of the employee.
- Employers must take adequate steps to prevent accidents by minimising hazards.
- All workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training.
- All workers shall have access to clean toilet facilities and potable water.
- Where accommodation is provided, it shall meet basic needs and be clean and safe.
- A senior member of management shall be responsible for health and safety.
- Wages and benefits shall meet, at minimum, national legal standards or the industry benchmark, whichever is higher.
- Before commencing employment, all workers shall be provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions.
- Disciplinary deductions from wages are not acceptable.
- Deductions outside of national law are not acceptable without the worker's express permission.
- All disciplinary measures shall be recorded.
- Workers shall not, on a regular basis, work more than 48 hours per week.
- All workers shall be provided with at least one day off for every seven-day period.
- Overtime shall be voluntary and shall not exceed 12 hours per week.
- Overtime shall not be demanded on a regular basis.
- Employers shall not avoid providing regular employment by means of labour-only contracting, sub-contracting, or home-working.
- Where an apprenticeship is provided, there must be intent to impart skills.
- Employers shall avoid regular or excessive use of fixed-term contracts.
- The threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse, or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.
Reducing impact where we reasonably can.
Gymletics recognises that our business activities have an environmental impact, and we are committed to reducing that impact where we reasonably can. This includes how we package and ship our products, how we choose materials, and how we design garments to last.
The specific actions we take, and the things we are working towards, are set out in detail on our Sustainability page. That page is the source of truth for our environmental claims, and we deliberately don't duplicate it here.
Sustainability
Our full environmental commitments, material choices, packaging roadmap, and end-of-life programme.
Read the Sustainability pageHeld in writing. Verified in person.
Every supplier we work with is held to this policy in writing before we begin placing orders. We require:
Annual Independent Audit
An independent audit against the clauses above, reviewed directly by Gymletics.
Founder Factory Visit
An annual in-person factory visit by Gymletics' founder, Gold-sun Mhizha.
Direct Communication
Direct lines of communication between factory management and Gymletics for issues that arise between audits.
Corrective Action or Exit
Where we identify non-compliance, we work with the supplier on a corrective action plan. Where a supplier is unwilling to engage, we end the relationship.
Report a Concern
If you are a worker in our supply chain, or anyone with knowledge of conditions in it, and you have concerns about compliance with this policy, contact us directly.
admin@gymletics.com
Gold-sun Mhizha
Founder, Gymletics Limited
Last reviewed: May 2026