At the Himalaya Tailoring Centre, we strive to produce the highest possible quality garments for a competitive market, while maintaining good working conditions, fair pay and high employee morale. These guiding principles inform all decisions that relate to the running of the workshop. Staff are encouraged to get involved in the decision-making process, and often offer their own suggestions and improvements.

The employees of the workshop are divided into 3 categories: tailors, part time staff and full time staff.

The tailors are paid monthly, based on the number of items made. The piece rates are set by the tailors themselves, based on how long each piece takes to stitch, and how many they feel they can make per day. Our costings, and hence the retail prices for the goods, are based on these piece rates, rather than allowing a predetermined retail price to dictate the piece rate.

Job security is taken very seriously. The workshop has a low staff turnover, with many of the tailors having been with us for several years. We don't follow the practice of laying tailors off during quiet periods (of which there are few!). The tailors receive paid public holidays and serious illness benefit up to 3 months. Both men and women get paid maternity leave plus a bonus.

Trainee tailors are ensured a fair minimum wage until they get up to speed, while experienced tailors can earn very good salaries for their profession. Free training schemes in English, computers and specialised tailoring techniques are provided.

Part time staff receive a monthly salary with overtime pay, paid public holidays, and the same sickness and maternity benefits as the tailors.

Full time staff receive the same benefits as the other staff with the addition of 3 weeks annual paid holiday.

We also have annual staff parties, "tailor of the month" awards and bonuses for the most improved staff members in different areas. All employees get Diwali (Indian) or Losar (Tibetan) holiday bonuses - sadly no-one celebrates christmas!