For the poorest workers in developing countries such as India and Kenya, the impacts of Covid-19 are potentially catastrophic. In these places, factory workers live a hand-to-mouth existence at the best of times – and right now, we’re arguably living through the worst of times.

What’s more, social distancing and self-isolation is a luxury afforded to those in Western countries: for many artisan workers, the threat of a deadly virus is nothing compared to the greater threats of poverty, unemployment, eviction and starvation – all real possibilities if we don’t continue to support their trade.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (a Ministry of Commerce initiative) some 60 million workers in India are dependent on the textile and clothing industry for their livelihood. Already, large and global brands are cancelling orders and worse still, refusing to pay for completed orders – and the consequences of these actions at a human level will be massive.

Here at Ethical Edit, we understand that many fashion brands will be sourcing fewer lines or creating a far smaller range this year: we get that. But we do encourage our customers – and their customers - to consider supporting workers in the supply chain as much as possible.

We agree that now is the perfect opportunity to rethink the fast, throwaway fashion culture and start working towards creating a more sustainable, planet-friendly industry, but not at the expense of the people who make those sustainable garments for us.

The decisions you make now will have a lasting, life-changing impact on the lives of vulnerable factory and artisan workers. #Supportsupplychain prevents vulnerable workers and their families from falling below the poverty line, provides education and healthcare for their families, and above all prevents, slums, trafficking, begging and starvation. Now, more than ever.