Shield Works

Fair pay is a right, not a privilege. It is a fundamental component of a just society and a sustainable global economy. At SW, we believe in not only building strong supply chains but ensuring they are ethical, responsible, and fair for every worker involved.

That’s why in late 2024, I had the profound honour of signing the Fair Pay Charter—a globally recognized initiative advocating for liveable wages and economic fairness—as both the Custodian of the Charter for British Business in China and the first business to sign it.

What Is the Fair Pay Charter?

The Fair Pay Charter is a groundbreaking initiative with the potential to transform industries worldwide, ensuring workers receive a wage that allows them to live with dignity. The Charter has already raised wages for 5.2 million people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and is actively working with governments and businesses in India, Malawi, Dubai, and beyond.

Founded and authored by Sheikh Aliur Rahman OBE and launched in May 2024 at Mansion House in London, the Charter is backed by key global leaders, including:

✔ Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
✔ Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General
✔ Michael Mainelli, 695^th Lord Mayor of London
✔ Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London & C40 Cities Representative

With its adoption projected as a UN Social Development Goal in 2030, the Charter has the potential to positively impact up to a billion people across various industries—starting with the tea industry, where 99% of the workforce are women.

Why This Matters to SW

As a business operating in global supply chains, we recognize that ethical business practices are not just about compliance but about impact. The Fair Pay Charter aligns with our core values of:

✅ Ensuring fair treatment and wages across our supply chain
✅ Encouraging ethical business practices among our partners
✅ Advocating for industry-wide change in manufacturing and sourcing

At SW, we are committed to implementing the Charter’s principles and encouraging other businesses to follow suit. By partnering with suppliers and manufacturers, we aim to set new standards for fair pay in global trade.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

Signing the Fair Pay Charter was just the beginning. Now, we invite businesses, leaders, and policymakers to take action:
💡 Review your supply chain—are workers being paid a fair, liveable wage?
💡 Advocate for fair pay—encourage your industry peers to join the movement
💡 Sign the Charter—commit to real change for workers worldwide

Fair pay is not just an ideal—it’s an achievable reality, but only if business leaders step up. At SW, we are proud to take a stand and encourage others to do the same.

🔗 Watch this video to learn more about the Fair Pay Charter

Join us in helping everyone get the Fair Pay they deserve. I’ve written more about the Charter on my LinkedIn post here.

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA

CFO