B&Q

Eastleigh, United Kingdom

B&Q is a British retail company specializing in DIY and home improvement products. It offers a wide range of products and expert advice to help customers improve and maintain their homes, operating numerous stores across the United Kingdom.

CCI Score

2.02

April 18

Latest Event

B&Q Achieves Responsible Sourcing Milestone

B&Q announced its achievement of 99.3% responsible sourcing of wood and paper products in 2023, with a target to reach 100% in 2024. This progress underscores the company's commitment to ethical procurement and sustainable practices in its supply chain.

Take Action

So what can you do? Support B&Q by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.

Shop Alternatives SEE ALL: Capital Lumber

Habitat

Hearth & Home Technologies
Use Your Voice OTHER TOOLS
Investigate
Share the Score SUPPORT CCI

OBJECTOR

B&Q is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

MAY

16

2024

B&Q Achieves Responsible Sourcing Milestone
72.93

B&Q announced its achievement of 99.3% responsible sourcing of wood and paper products in 2023, with a target to reach 100% in 2024. This progress underscores the company's commitment to ethical procurement and sustainable practices in its supply chain.
+80

Supply Chain Ethics

March 29

B&Q's achievement in reaching 99.3% responsible sourcing of wood and paper products reflects a robust commitment to ethical supply chain practices. This effort contributes positively to reducing environmental degradation and ensuring that sourcing supports human rights, aligning with progressive and anti-authoritarian values.

B&Q achieves 99.3% responsible sourcing of wood and paper products
MAY

13

2024

B&Q Progresses Toward 100% Responsible Sourcing of Wood and Paper
63.76

B&Q reported achieving a 99.3% rate of responsibly sourced wood and paper products in 2023, positioning the company on track to reach its goal of 100% responsible sourcing by 2024. All products are certified with FSC or PEFC standards, ensuring sustainable sourcing practices.
+70

Supply Chain Ethics

March 29

B&Q's achievement of a 99.3% responsibly sourced rate for wood and paper products and its commitment to achieve 100% by 2024 demonstrates strong supply chain ethics. This move supports sustainable forest management and reduces reliance on potentially unethical sourcing practices, aligning with progressive corporate behavior.

B&Q on track for 100% responsible sourcing of wood and paper in 2024
MAR

18

2024

Delivery Drivers Strike Vote Over Low Pay Increase
-53.82

B&Q's contracted delivery drivers at a GXO distribution centre have voted for industrial action following the company's offer of a 5.25% pay increase, which union Usdaw claims amounts to a real terms cut amid a cost of living crisis. The strike, set for the week beginning March 18, 2024, threatens disruption to supplies across B&Q stores.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

The industrial action vote by delivery drivers, conducted by union Usdaw, highlights a significant labor conflict stemming from an inadequate wage increase offer. B&Q's reliance on third-party logistics that are not meeting worker expectations reflects poorly on its commitment to fair labor practices during a cost of living crisis.

B&Q faces store disruptions as delivery drivers vote on strike action, claims Usdaw
DEC

12

2023

B&Q Implements Controversial Staff Break Policy
-52.41

B&Q announced a policy change reducing paid break times, resulting in shorter weekly work hours for staff while implementing a slight wage increase to £11.31 per hour. Internal documents revealed that full-time colleagues could lose nearly 105 hours per year, sparking backlash from employees concerned about reduced earning potential.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

The adjustment in staff break policy has led to a reduction in total working hours without commensurate compensation, raising concerns over fair labor practices and workers’ rights. Despite a modest pay increase, the policy is perceived as undermining employee welfare and limiting earning potential, reflecting negatively on B&Q's labor relations.

B&Q faces backlash over changes to staff breaks - City A.M.
DEC

11

2023

Staff Backlash over Contract Changes
-26.20

B&Q faced significant internal backlash after announcing contract changes that reduce weekly working hours for employees, while modestly increasing hourly pay. Staff expressed concerns that the reduction in scheduled hours could limit their overall earning potential, despite the wage increase aimed at aligning with national minimum wage standards.
-30

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

The decision to reduce contracted hours, even though accompanied by a pay raise, has triggered significant staff dissent. This policy, which may harm workers' earning potential and overall labor rights, underlines problematic labor relations practices. The backlash reflects concerns over fair labor conditions and proper compensation, especially as the changes coincide with adjustments to national living wage standards.

B&Q faces staff backlash after contract changes
OCT

01

2023

B&Q’s Ethical Supply Chain Initiative
68.52

B&Q has implemented a robust supply chain ethics program that requires suppliers to join SEDEX and adhere to the Kingfisher Group’s Policy on Supply Chain Workplace Standards, ensuring the ethical sourcing of products and improved working conditions for laborers.
+80

Supply Chain Ethics

March 29

B&Q's initiative to require suppliers to join SEDEX, adhere to strict workplace standards, and actively engage in programmes to improve labor conditions demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical supply chain practices. This proactive approach supports workers’ rights and ethical sourcing, aligning with anti-fascist values by ensuring fair treatment and transparency within its supply chain.

Supply chain ethics | Responsible Business | B&Q
OCT

07

2018

B&Q Cuts Night Workers' Pay, Raising Labor Rights Concerns
-36.41

B&Q announced a restructuring plan that forces over 1,700 night workers to either accept a pay cut—losing their £1.50 hourly premium—or face redundancies. The decision, which also affects around 200 managerial roles, has raised serious concerns about fair labor practices and worker exploitation, especially in light of high executive compensation.
-70

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

The restructuring plan targets over 1,700 night workers, stripping them of a night shift premium and forcing many to choose between a pay cut and redundancy. This decision, coupled with significant executive payouts, reflects a disregard for worker rights and fair labor practices, which is deeply concerning from an anti-fascist, pro-worker perspective.

B&Q night workers suffer pay cut blow with 1,700 having to choose between less cash or dole queue
APR

04

2016

B&Q Staff Pay Contract Controversy
-20.24

In early 2016, following the National Living Wage announcement, B&Q required employees to sign new contracts that eliminated additional pay and benefits, prompting a petition led by a store manager and sparking growing criticism from both staff and customers.
-50

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 29

B&Q's decision to remove extra allowances and force employees to accept new contracts under threat of job loss has been widely criticized as exploitative. This approach undermines fair labor practices and worker rights, drawing attention to problematic business practices regarding employee compensation.

B&Q responds to growing criticism over staff pay cuts