Following allegations of forced labour and abuse at a Jordanian factory supplying garments, Marks and Spencer, along with other major UK retailers, demanded detailed answers from US clothing brands Under Armour and Columbia. The company confirmed that its Columbia products are not sourced from Jordan and is cooperating in an independent investigation after the tragic death of a worker.

A new human rights survey commissioned by M&S and conducted by Oxfam revealed serious concerns among supply chain workers, including poor representation, inadequate sick pay, and in-work poverty. In response, M&S announced its commitment to scale a digital, anonymous worker voice programme to better capture worker feedback and drive improvements in its supply chain practices.

In September 2023, Marks and Spencer issued a response to allegations of human rights abuses in its tea supply chain. The company stated it is committed to upholding international human rights standards as per the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is working closely with its supplier and Fairtrade to address and support the injured worker.

Marks and Spencer has signed onto a call to action urging companies to re-examine their supply chains amidst allegations of forced labour in China's Xinjiang region, particularly concerning cotton sourcing. This move is aimed at pressuring the industry to ensure ethical sourcing that does not contribute to human rights abuses.

Marks & Spencer has become one of the first companies to formally sign a call to action demanding ethical supply chains and respect for human rights in Xinjiang, China, where forced labour abuses against minority groups have been reported.

In 2021, Marks & Spencer became the first clothing brand to publicly commit to the 'End Uyghur Forced Labor' global coalition, outlining strategic measures to address human rights abuses in its supply chain and promote workers’ voices.