Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams, Next and Sainsbury’s are among a group of British retailers yet to join international rivals in renewing their commitment to a factory safety deal in Bangladesh.

The legally binding Bangladesh accord on fire and building safety was set up after the fatal collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory complex in 2013, which killed 1,135 people and is considered the world’s worst garment-industry accident...

With only weeks to go until the fifth anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy, at least one major British company, Sainsbury’s, has decided not to sign up to the new deal. Several others are holding back amid concerns over costs and possible lack of support from factory owners and the Bangladeshi government...

Sainsbury’s said while it would not be signing up, it remained supportive of progress in Bangladesh.

“We remain committed to this issue and will continue to support local manufacturers, helping them reach the highest standards in safety,” a spokesperson said.

M&S, John Lewis, Debenhams and Next said they were in discussions and still considering their options ahead of May.