News & views

14 November 2025

Leicestershire Business Voice welcomes the findings of the Lessons Learned from Operation Tacit report, presented to Parliament by the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, Margaret Beels. According to the review, while some labour-law breaches such as underpayment and weak record-keeping, were identified, there was no evidence of prosecutable offences of modern slavery or forced labour in Leicester’s garment sector.

We also note that the review found non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage within Leicester’s garment industry to be broadly in line with or lower than levels observed in other UK manufacturing sectors, reflecting positively on many local employers.

Whilst we acknowledge the significant reputational damage Leicester has endured from recent negative coverage, this report creates an opportunity to reset the narrative, not by overlooking past issues, but by using the evidence to drive meaningful change. The findings are clear that the challenges facing Leicester’s garment sector are structural and long-standing, and require a concerted programme of modernisation, investment, and accountability.

We therefore encourage industry, local government, brands, and regulators to commit to a shared agenda that secures Leicester’s position as the UK’s leading hub for ethical, resilient, and globally competitive garment manufacturing.

We are grateful for the leadership shown by Jenny Holloway, Chair of the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation and of Fashion-Enter Ltd, in highlighting the reputational harm to ethical, compliant manufacturers from sensational media coverage. The Leicester Made / Fashion Capital commentary also underscores the need to move from crisis headlines toward sustainable, long-term growth.

Leicestershire Business Voice strongly supports continued collaboration between regional manufacturers, industry bodies (such as ATMF), enforcement agencies, policymakers, and educational/training initiatives. By working together on this shared agenda, we can build a more ethical, high-quality garment industry that contributes value to Leicester, safeguards workers, and competes on a global stage.