Employment, Ethical and GHG Policies
Sleep Organic Ltd - Employment Policy
(Organic & Fairtrade Cotton Bedding Company – United Kingdom)
1. Introduction
Sleep Organic Ltd (“the Company”) is committed to providing an ethical, safe, and supportive working environment consistent with our values of sustainability, fairness, and high-quality craftsmanship.
This policy outlines the terms, standards, and processes governing employment within the Company and complies with UK employment legislation.
2. Recruitment & Equal Opportunities
The Company promotes equal opportunities regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion/belief, or sexual orientation, as required by the Equality Act 2010.
Recruitment decisions are based only on merit and business needs.
Sleep Organic Ltd participates in fair recruitment practices consistent with our ethical brand values.
3. Employment Contracts
All employees will receive a written statement of employment particulars on or before their first day, as required by UK law.
Contracts include job role, hours, place of work, pay, holidays, notice periods, and disciplinary/grievance rules.
Employment may be full-time, part-time, fixed-term, or casual depending on business needs.
4. Working Hours & Breaks
Sleep Organic Ltd follows the Working Time Regulations 1998, including:
A maximum average of 48 working hours per week, unless the employee has voluntarily opted out.
At least 11 hours’ rest between working days.
A 20-minute rest break for shifts longer than 6 hours.
At least one day off per week.
Flexible working requests will be considered in line with UK statutory rights.
5. Pay & Benefits
Employees are paid at or above the UK National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, depending on age.
Pay is made monthly via bank transfer.
Overtime, where applicable, will be paid or given as time off in lieu (TOIL).
Pension auto-enrolment is provided under the Pensions Act 2008 for eligible employees.
6. Holidays & Leave
In accordance with the Working Time Regulations, employees are entitled to:
5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid holiday per year pro-rated for part-time staff.
Annual leave must be approved in advance by management.
Statutory leave rights include:
Sick leave (Statutory Sick Pay for eligible employees).
Maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave in line with UK legislation.
Parental Bereavement Leave and other statutory rights where applicable.
7. Health, Safety & Welfare
Sleep Organic Ltd is committed to a safe working environment and complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The Company ensures:
Safe handling of organic and Fairtrade cotton materials.
Adequate training for all employees.
Provision of necessary equipment and protective gear where required.
Prompt reporting and investigation of accidents.
Employees must follow all health and safety guidelines and report hazards immediately.
8. Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability Expectations
As part of an organic and Fairtrade brand, employees must uphold:
Transparency in supply chain communication.
Respect for Fairtrade principles.
Commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact.
Ethical conduct in all business dealings.
9. Data Protection & Confidentiality
The Company adheres to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Employees must:
Handle customer and supplier data responsibly.
Maintain confidentiality regarding internal processes, designs, and customer information.
Breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.
10. Conduct & Behaviour
Employees are expected to:
Act respectfully and professionally toward colleagues, customers, and partners.
Avoid discrimination, harassment, bullying, or abusive behaviour.
Protect the Company’s reputation and ethical values.
Misconduct may lead to disciplinary procedures.
11. Disciplinary Procedure
The Company follows the ACAS Code of Practice.
Steps may include:
Informal discussion
Formal written warning
Final written warning
Dismissal, if necessary
Employees have the right to be accompanied and to appeal decisions.
12. Grievance Procedure
Employees who have concerns should:
Raise the issue informally with their manager.
If unresolved, submit a formal grievance.
A meeting will be held to address the concern.
Employees may appeal the outcome.
This also follows ACAS guidelines.
13. Remote & Flexible Working
Where suitable, the Company supports working from home or flexible arrangements.
Employees must maintain confidentiality, protect data, and remain available during agreed work hours.
14. Termination of Employment
Notice periods are stated in each contract and comply with statutory minimum notice rules.
Company property must be returned upon leaving.
Final pay will include any outstanding holiday entitlement.
15. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever UK employment law changes. Employees will be notified of updates.
Sleep Organic Ltd – Ethical Business Policy
(Sustainable Organic & Fairtrade Cotton Bedding Company – UK)
1. Purpose of This Policy
Sleep Organic Ltd is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and sustainably. This policy outlines the principles that guide our decisions, actions, and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and the community.
Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of our business reflects our core values: integrity, sustainability, fairness, and transparency.
2. Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing
We are dedicated to sourcing materials in a way that protects people and the planet.
We commit to:
Using certified organic cotton, grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic chemicals.
Sourcing where possible from Fairtrade-certified farms and producers, ensuring farmers receive fair wages and safe working conditions.
Working only with suppliers who uphold ethical standards, including:
No forced or child labour
Safe and healthy working environments
Fair wages and working hours
Conducting regular review of supplier practices and maintaining supply chain transparency.
3. Environmental Responsibility
Environmental sustainability is central to Sleep Organic Ltd.
We aim to:
Minimise energy, water use, and waste across operations.
Reduce carbon emissions where possible, using low-impact transport and packaging.
Prioritise biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packaging materials.
Continuously improve environmental performance by reviewing targets annually.
Promote a circular economy mindset, encouraging customers to reuse or recycle products.
4. Fair & Responsible Labour Practices
We follow all UK employment laws and ensure fairness, dignity, and equality for all employees.
Our commitments include:
Providing safe, clean, and healthy workplaces.
Supporting equal opportunities in recruitment, promotion, and training.
Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment.
Paying fair wages in line with or above UK statutory requirements.
Offering appropriate training, development, and wellbeing support.
5. Product Integrity & Quality
We commit to full transparency and honesty about our products.
This means:
Clearly stating material specifications, certifications, and environmental impact.
Ensuring the quality, durability, and safety of all bedding products.
Avoiding misleading claims or greenwashing.
Maintaining rigorous quality control processes at each stage of production.
6. Responsible Marketing & Customer Relations
Our communication with customers is grounded in honesty and respect.
We promise to:
Provide accurate product descriptions and transparent sustainability information.
Respond promptly to customer concerns and feedback.
Treat customer data responsibly and in compliance with UK GDPR.
Engage respectfully across all marketing channels and partnerships.
7. Community & Social Impact
As an ethical brand, we value our responsibility to give back and support communities.
Commitments may include:
Supporting cotton-growing communities through Fairtrade and charitable initiatives.
Partnering with local UK organisations, environmental groups, or charities.
Encouraging employee engagement in community or sustainability projects.
8. Anti-Corruption & Transparency
Sleep Organic Ltd maintains zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, or unethical conduct.
We commit to:
Ensuring employees and suppliers follow anti-bribery principles.
Keeping transparent records of business decisions and financial practices.
Encouraging whistleblowing when unethical behaviour is observed, without fear of retaliation.
9. Supplier Code of Conduct
To uphold this policy, our suppliers must agree to:
Ethical labour standards (no child/forced labour, fair wages, safe conditions).
Environmental responsibility in production and waste management.
Compliance with relevant national and international regulations.
Allowing audits and providing documentation upon request.
Suppliers who fail to meet these expectations may be removed from our supply chain.
10. Continuous Improvement
Sleep Organic Ltd is committed to evaluating and improving ethical performance by:
Reviewing policies annually
Monitoring supply chain practices
Setting measurable sustainability goals
Engaging with customers, employees, and partners for feedback
11. Accountability
All employees, directors, and suppliers share responsibility for upholding this Ethical Business Policy.
Any breach of the policy may result in corrective action or termination of supplier relationships.
Sleep Organic Ltd – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Monitoring & Reduction Policy
1. Purpose
Sleep Organic Ltd is committed to reducing its environmental impact and supporting climate-positive practices throughout our supply chain. As a 100% organic and Fairtrade business working with GOTS-certified suppliers, we aim to minimise greenhouse gas emissions across all operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Sleep Organic Ltd operations, including procurement, packaging, storage, transport, and office activities. It also supports continuous improvement with our certified suppliers.
3. Monitoring GHG Emissions
As a small business, we monitor greenhouse gas emissions by:
Recording annual energy use (electricity/heating) in offices and storage areas.
Tracking transport emissions from inbound shipments and outbound deliveries.
Reviewing packaging quantities and materials.
Requesting annual sustainability/impact reports from GOTS and Fairtrade-certified suppliers.
Data is reviewed annually to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
4. Actions to Reduce Emissions
Sleep Organic Ltd commits to achievable, small-business-friendly actions:
Energy & Office Operations
Use renewable electricity suppliers wherever possible.
Reduce energy use through efficient lighting, minimal heating, and “switch-off” practices.
Encourage hybrid/remote working to reduce travel.
Transport & Logistics
Prioritise low-carbon shipping options and consolidate shipments.
Encourage customers to choose slower, lower-impact delivery options.
Reduce business travel; use video meetings whenever possible.
Materials & Packaging
Use 100% recyclable or compostable packaging; minimise materials used. Avoid plastic wherever possible.
Continue sourcing only GOTS organic and Fairtrade cotton, which has lower environmental impact and traceable production standards.
Supplier Collaboration
Work exclusively with certified GOTS and Fairtrade suppliers who already meet strict environmental and carbon-management standards.
Request updated certifications and impact reports annually.
5. Continuous Improvement
Review this policy and carbon-related data once per year.
Set achievable annual goals (e.g., reduce packaging weight by 10%, increase renewable energy percentage, or consolidate shipments further).
Communicate improvements transparently to customers.
6. Accountability
All employees share responsibility for reducing emissions through daily practices. Management will lead monitoring, set targets, and ensure these commitments are upheld.