PMP CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS EXCELLENT RIVER ISLAND AUDIT

A recent audit at River Island’s distribution centre in Milton Keynes has seen the retailer achieve an “excellent” rating. The ‘Workplace Conditions’ assessment, was positively organised as an unannounced visit by River Island’s Logistics Director Arif Ahmed, to ensure the site would be seen in its natural habitat. It was delivered by quality assurance specialist Intertek, examined the working processes put in place across the hub by the retailer and PMP Recruitment, who provides a temporary labour workforce solution at the site.
 
As part of the auditing process, employees of both River Island and PMP were interviewed, whilst inspectors examined employment contracts, HR documentation and wage slips belonging to both companies. In total, the Milton Keynes site achieved a score 10% higher than the UK average, and 16% higher than the retail industry average.
 
The assessment took into account the effective application of all relevant health and safety rules, working time regulations, modern slavery legislation and environmental best practice. The companies were also assessed against International Labour Organisation rules (ILO) as set by the United Nations.
 
PMP has provided River Island with an on-site managed services solution since May 2017. On average 300 temporary staff work at the distribution centre each day, rising to approximately 600 as the retailer approaches its peak period, which runs from Black Friday through to January. The temporary workers are tasked with unloading vehicles, picking e-commerce orders, re-pricing, and preparing and packing stock ahead of onward distribution to River Island’s network of stores.
 
Arif Ahmed, Logistics Director at River Island, said: “We are very happy to record such a high score during this recent audit and I am confident PMP Recruitment played an important role in this. Despite being put on the spot by the auditors, they clearly explained the proficient processes they have in place, which demonstrated excellence across their entire operation.”
 
Jamie Reynolds, Managing Director of PMP Recruitment, said: “River Island is one of the most recognisable names within the retail sector and we are proud to have contributed to this fantastic score, despite learning of the audit just two hours before. Our ongoing success is down to our ability to work closely with our clients to deploy a fully joined up approach, which helps us to provide world-class labour solutions that deliver value for money.”
 
ENDS