Japan

Fast Retailing Co., the parent company of global retailer Uniqlo, says that it is strengthening oversight of its supply chain following a report from a Hong Kong-based activist group alleging sub-standard conditions at two of its Chinese factories. The company says it will begin monitoring its textile suppliers for compliance with ethical standards and increase the number of unannounced audits at its cut-and-sew facilities. Until last year, the company only looked for environmental compliance in their textile suppliers and not inspect for labor compliance and factory safety. The company also says it will set up a hotline for workers to report problems anonymously. (Reuters)