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Company Directory - Marks and Spencer Group plc

Company Details - Marks and Spencer Group plc

Marks and Spencer Group plc Logo

Marks and Spencer Group plc

Website

London, United Kingdom

LSE: MKS 

ISIN: GB00B04HFJZ

Marks and Spencer Group plc is a major British multinational retailer that specializes in selling clothing, food, and home goods. Known for its high-quality products and commitment to quality, the company operates an extensive network of stores and offers various product ranges including premium food and gift items.

CCI Score

CCI Score: Marks and Spencer Group plc

43.82

-0.02%

Latest Event

M&S Chief Criticizes Government Tax Policies on Retail Sector

M&S CEO Stuart Machin accused the government of 'raiding' the retail sector with its latest tax policies, warning of rising costs, potential job losses, and stifled growth. He called for a staggered approach to National Insurance Contributions and a delay in the controversial packaging levy to ease financial pressures on retailers.

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DISSENTER

Marks and Spencer Group plc is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score
These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

  • M&S Chief Criticizes Government Tax Policies on Retail Sector Logo
    FEB
    10
    2025

    M&S CEO Stuart Machin accused the government of 'raiding' the retail sector with its latest tax policies, warning of rising costs, potential job losses, and stifled growth. He called for a staggered approach to National Insurance Contributions and a delay in the controversial packaging levy to ease financial pressures on retailers.

  • +30

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 24

    The public statement by M&S chief Stuart Machin condemning the government's aggressive tax policies reflects a stance that challenges excessive state intervention, which can be seen as opposing authoritarian overreach in fiscal policy. While primarily a defense of business and economic stability, his criticism indirectly supports a fairer and more balanced approach, resonating with anti-fascist concerns about oppressive regulatory measures.

    M&S chief accuses government of raiding retail sector ‘like a piggy bank’

  • Marks & Spencer Publishes 2024 Modern Slavery Statement Logo
    JUN
    25
    2024

    Marks & Spencer Group plc released their 2024 modern slavery statement summary, outlining measures to address modern slavery risks in their supply chains.

  • +80

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 29

    By publishing a modern slavery statement summary, Marks & Spencer demonstrates a commitment to addressing modern slavery risks in its supply chains. This act increases transparency and promotes ethical business practices, which is an important anti-authoritarian measure for protecting human rights within corporate operations.

    MARKS AND SPENCER GROUP P.L.C. modern slavery statement summary (2024)

  • M&S Demands Accountability on Forced Labour Allegations in Supply Chains Logo
    APR
    16
    2024

    Marks & Spencer, alongside other major UK retailers, has demanded detailed answers from Under Armour and Columbia regarding forced labour allegations and worker abuse at a Jordanian supplier. The move includes clarifying that Columbia products sold by M&S are not made in Jordan and reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing and labor standards.

  • +80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 29

    Marks & Spencer’s action in demanding accountability for allegations of forced labour and worker abuse demonstrates a proactive stance on labor relations and human rights. By seeking transparent answers regarding the mistreatment and alleged exploitation of a worker at a supplier facility, M&S aligns with anti-fascist and pro-worker practices.

    M&S and Next demand answers from Under Armour and Columbia over factory 'abuse'

  • +85

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 29

    M&S reinforced its commitment to ethical supply chain practices by clarifying that Columbia products sold on its platform are not sourced from Jordan and by demanding a thorough investigation into supplier practices. This proactive measure supports transparency and accountability in sourcing, in line with anti-authoritarian and progressive supply chain ethics.

    M&S and Next demand answers from Under Armour and Columbia over factory 'abuse'

  • M&S Responds to Supply Chain Human Rights Concerns Logo
    OCT
    05
    2023

    A newly commissioned study by Oxfam has revealed significant concerns among supply chain workers regarding poor representation, inadequate sick pay, and in-work poverty in M&S's supply chains. In response, M&S has initiated a digital, anonymous worker voice programme across over 500 UK sites to better capture and act upon workers' feedback, aiming to improve labor conditions and supply chain ethics.

  • +50

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 29

    The report highlights serious concerns over labor rights, including lack of worker representation and inadequate sick pay. M&S’s response to scale a digital, anonymous worker voice programme demonstrates a commitment to addressing these issues and improving conditions for supply chain workers.

    M&S human rights survey reveals concerns of supply chain workers

  • +40

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 29

    The study uncovers a disconnect between third-party ethical audits and the lived experiences of supply chain workers. While the findings expose underlying ethical issues, M&S’s proactive commissioning of the report and subsequent implementation of a digital worker voice programme demonstrate a willingness to address these shortcomings in supply chain ethics.

    M&S human rights survey reveals concerns of supply chain workers

  • Marks and Spencer responds to tea supply chain human rights allegations Logo
    SEP
    15
    2023

    Marks and Spencer issued a statement affirming its commitment to internationally recognized human rights standards, citing alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The company detailed its engagement with both its tea supplier and Fairtrade to address and remediate allegations of human rights abuses.

  • +70

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 24

    Marks and Spencer’s proactive response to allegations by emphasizing adherence to the UN Guiding Principles demonstrates a strong commitment to labor rights and the protection of worker human rights. Their engagement with Fairtrade and direct inquiry with their supplier suggests an effort to remediate and prevent future abuses.

    Marks and Spencer response to alleged human rights abuses in the tea supply chain

  • +65

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 24

    By addressing the issues raised about its tea supply chain, Marks and Spencer demonstrates accountability and a willingness to improve ethical sourcing practices. However, the need for such a response indicates previous oversights, leaving room for further strengthening of supply chain ethics.

    Marks and Spencer response to alleged human rights abuses in the tea supply chain

  • AGM Authorises Political Donations Logo
    JUL
    04
    2023

    At its Annual General Meeting on 4 July 2023, Marks & Spencer Group plc passed all resolutions, including one that authorises the company and its subsidiaries to make political donations. This resolution grants the company discretionary power to influence political outcomes, which raises concerns from an anti‐fascist perspective about enabling corporate political spending that might support authoritarian or far‐right agendas.

  • -30

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 29

    The AGM resolution to authorise political donations potentially opens the door for the company to engage in political activities without sufficient oversight. From an anti‐fascist perspective, enabling such discretionary political spending can lead to support for authoritarian policies if funds are directed toward far‐right causes. The resolution, while standard in corporate governance, raises red flags regarding how corporate political influence may be employed.

    Result of AGM

  • M&S Responsible Exit from Myanmar Logo
    OCT
    13
    2022

    Marks & Spencer announced its decision to exit Myanmar by March after a human rights assessment revealed pervasive forced labor, excessive overtime, and abusive practices in the garment sector. The retailer explained that it could no longer maintain its global sourcing principles under the current conditions and emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to support affected workers during the transition.

  • +40

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 29

    M&S’s public communication regarding its exit from Myanmar reflects a proactive stance in upholding human rights and ethical supply chain practices. By choosing to disengage from a market with documented forced labor and abusive conditions, the company signals a commitment to resist complicity in authoritarian structures, demonstrating positive public and political behavior.

    M&S moving out of Myanmar by March - Sourcing Journal

  • +80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 29

    The decision to exit Myanmar is anchored in an ethical appraisal of the labor conditions within its supply chain. M&S’s move rejects engagement with suppliers implicated in forced labor and human rights abuses, which aligns with a strong commitment to labor rights and an ethical sourcing strategy, countering any inadvertent support for authoritarian practices.

    M&S moving out of Myanmar by March - Sourcing Journal

  • M&S Responsible Exit from Myanmar Sourcing Logo
    OCT
    11
    2022

    Marks and Spencer Group plc announced a responsible exit from sourcing in Myanmar by March 2023, citing human rights violations linked to the military regime. In partnership with the Ethical Trading Initiative, the company is taking steps to ensure its supply chain upholds ethical labor practices and avoids complicity in human rights abuses.

  • +80

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 24

    By deciding to exit sourcing from Myanmar due to documented human rights abuses, M&S demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical supply chain practices. Their collaboration with the Ethical Trading Initiative shows proactive measures to enforce labor rights and prevent complicity in abusive regimes, aligning with anti-authoritarian business practices.

    M&S to stop sourcing in Myanmar amid concerns over human rights violations

  • Marks and Spencer Group plc Responds to Human Rights and Supply Chain Concerns Logo
    AUG
    25
    2022

    In response to stakeholder concerns and reports of forced labor and poor working conditions in supplier factories, Marks and Spencer Group plc has undertaken measures to improve labor practices and supply chain ethics, including enhanced compliance audits, participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives, and the launch of dedicated toolkits addressing forced labor.

  • +40

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 24

    Marks and Spencer has taken proactive measures in response to allegations of forced labor in its supplier factories by reviewing policies, launching a Forced Labour Toolkit, and engaging with independent audits and multi-stakeholder initiatives. While these actions signal a commitment to labor rights, concerns remain regarding the opacity of supplier information and the persistence of systemic issues in the supply chain.

    Responding to stakeholder concerns on human rights

  • +35

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 24

    The company has taken notable steps to enhance supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing by reviewing supplier practices, establishing compliance audits, and launching dedicated toolkits to combat forced labor. Despite these measures, reports of systemic issues indicate that further improvements and greater transparency in identifying problematic suppliers are necessary.

    Responding to stakeholder concerns on human rights

  • Human Rights & Our Supply Chain Commitment Logo
    JUL
    01
    2022

    Marks & Spencer outlines its commitment to ethical supply chain practices and robust labor rights, emphasizing transparency, anti-retaliation policies, and grievance mechanisms to ensure human rights are upheld throughout its operations.

  • +75

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 24

    Marks & Spencer demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting labor rights through clear grievance procedures, anti-retaliation measures, and channels for addressing human rights issues. This proactive approach indicates a positive stance on worker treatment and respect for unionization efforts, directly opposing exploitative practices that can enable authoritarian outcomes.

    Human Rights & Our Supply Chain

  • +80

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 24

    The article details extensive initiatives aimed at maintaining responsible sourcing within the supply chain. M&S provides training and guidance to suppliers and collaborates with partners to address risks related to forced labor and human rights abuses, reflecting a robust commitment to supply chain ethics that resists complicity in authoritarian practices.

    Human Rights & Our Supply Chain

  • M&S Enhances Human Rights & Supply Chain Accountability Logo
    JUL
    01
    2022

    Marks & Spencer Group plc published a comprehensive human rights and supply chain statement outlining its commitment to transparency, robust grievance mechanisms, and an anti-retaliation policy. The document details clear steps for internal and external investigations of labor and human rights issues, and references adherence to international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines.

  • +80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 29

    Marks & Spencer’s clear commitment to protecting labor rights is demonstrated through its robust grievance channels, anti-retaliation policy, and the structured approach to investigate and resolve issues related to human rights. This proactive stance supports worker rights and anti-authoritarian practices.

    Human Rights & Our Supply Chain

  • +70

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 29

    The company’s detailed account of its supply chain ethics—including measures to ensure transparency, collaboration with business partners, and commitment to remedying adverse human rights impacts—reflects a strong stance on ethical sourcing and supply chain management.

    Human Rights & Our Supply Chain

  • M&S signs call to action over Uighur forced labour Logo
    JAN
    06
    2021

    Marks and Spencer Group plc has signed a call to action addressing human rights abuses and forced labour in Xinjiang, signaling a commitment to ethical sourcing and improved labor practices in its supply chain.

  • +80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 24

    M&S's decision to sign the call to action demonstrates a positive move towards improving labor relations and ensuring human rights are respected within its supply chains. This commitment aligns with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is a proactive response to allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang.

    M&S signs call to action over Uighur forced labour - BBC

  • +80

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 24

    By joining the coalition's call to action, M&S commits to scrutinizing and potentially overhauling its cotton sourcing practices to avoid benefiting from forced labour. This step is critical in ensuring supply chain ethics and reflects a broader ethical responsibility in business practices.

    M&S signs call to action over Uighur forced labour - BBC

  • M&S Signs Call to Action on Uighur Forced Labour Logo
    DEC
    29
    2020

    Marks & Spencer Group plc joined a coalition of civil society organisations and labour unions urging companies to reassess their supply chains in order to eliminate forced labour practices in China's Xinjiang region. The retailer, which sources cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative, signed on to the call to action to encourage broader industry transparency despite BCI suspending its activities in the region.

  • +70

    Supply Chain Ethics

    March 29

    By signing the call to action on Uighur forced labour, M&S demonstrates a commitment to ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency. This move pressures other companies to re-examine and improve their supply chain practices, aligning with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and anti-forced labour initiatives.

    M&S signs call to action over Uighur forced labour - BBC

  • M&S Unveils Revamped Sustainability Strategy Plan A 2025 Logo
    JUN
    06
    2017

    Marks & Spencer has launched Plan A 2025, an ambitious sustainability strategy that prioritizes environmental impact, community engagement, and improved transparency. While the initiative marks a positive step in corporate ethical responsibility, critics have raised concerns over its approach to labor practices and the adequacy of its living wage commitments in its supply chain operations.

  • M&S Launches Plan A 2025 Sustainability Initiative Logo
    JUN
    01
    2017

    Marks & Spencer has launched Plan A 2025, a comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at reducing waste, promoting ethical sourcing, and bolstering community investment across its operations and supply chains. The plan emphasizes measurable environmental targets and community empowerment, reflecting the company's commitment to responsible business practices that counter exploitative and authoritarian tendencies.

  • +80

    Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

    March 24

    Marks & Spencer’s Plan A 2025 is a robust commitment to ethical business practices, featuring ambitious sustainability targets such as achieving zero waste, sustainable sourcing of raw materials, and significant community investment. These measures promote transparency, improve supply chain ethics, and demonstrate a proactive stance in addressing social and environmental challenges, aligning with anti-fascist values by supporting community well-being and ethical corporate behavior.

    M&S LAUNCHES PLAN A 2025 – AN AMBITIOUS, CUSTOMER FOCUSED SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

  • +70

    Economic and Structural Influence

    March 24

    The initiative also emphasizes economic and structural influence by investing in community programs, supporting local economies, and forging partnerships with organizations like Oxfam to improve supply chain practices. These efforts indicate M&S's intention to use its market influence to drive positive social change, thereby mitigating tendencies toward corporate complicity in authoritarian economic practices.

    M&S LAUNCHES PLAN A 2025 – AN AMBITIOUS, CUSTOMER FOCUSED SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

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