January 2010 – B&Q has become a licensee of the GoodWeave ethical rug labelling scheme, and now sells a significant choice of rugs bearing the GoodWeave label on the reverse. GoodWeave is active in the Nepalese and Indian rug industry, and by buying such rugs consumers are assured that no child labour was used in production. In becoming a GoodWeave licensee, B&Q will also help to finance the education and support given to thousands of children rescued off the looms.

As a major UK importer of rugs from India and Nepal, GoodWeave is pleased to have secured B&Q's support. The retailer has an active social responsibility programme and this fits in well with GoodWeave's recently expanded standard, which is increasingly concerned with adult working conditions and the impact of rug-making on the environment, in addition to illegal child labour.

Laura Nicolson, Assistant Buyer for rugs at B&Q says: "B&Q has a strong heritage in social responsibility. For hardwood flooring our sustainable timber policies are unrivalled and we were keen to replicate those ethics into our rugs range. The GoodWeave label is the best assurance that no illegal child labour has been used in the making of our rugs from India and we've been working with GoodWeave (formally Rug Mark) since the 1990's to offer ethically sourced rugs. As part of our plans we've also recently become a GoodWeave licensee, whilst continuing to work with numerous suppliers who also provide us with rugs from India bearing the GoodWeave label. As a result of these changes and our continued partnership, the GoodWeave mark can now be found on all of the rugs we source from India."

For further information visit www.goodweave.org.uk or to purchase rugs visit B&Q stores nationwide or www.diy.com.

ENDS.

Notes to Editors
GoodWeave is the newly expanded, international labelling scheme previously known as RugMark, which is active in the rug industry of India and Nepal. The scheme aims to eradicate illegal child labour, and is increasingly involved in improving environmental standards and working conditions in the rug industry.

Press enquiries contact: Fay Handley at Dixon Handley Marketing
Tel: 01926 885511  M: 07790 659983  Email: fay@dixonhandleymarketing.co.uk