What Is A Modern Slavery Statement?

              

What Is A Modern Slavery Statement?

A modern slavery statement is an important report that certain large companies in the UK are required to produce under the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015. This statement explains what steps a company is taking to identify and prevent modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking within its own operations and in the supply chains it relies on for goods and services.

Key Points About a Modern Slavery Statement:

• Who Needs One? This requirement applies to big commercial organisations in any industry that have a significant presence in the UK and make £36 million or more each year. It’s designed to hold these large companies accountable for the treatment of workers across their entire operations.
• What It Includes: A good modern slavery statement usually covers several important topics:
• Company Structure: Information about how the company is organised, including its subsidiaries or partnerships.
• Commitment to Combat Slavery: Details on the company’s dedication to fighting against slavery and human trafficking, along with relevant internal policies.
• Risk Management: An outline of how the company checks for and addresses risks related to modern slavery in its supply chains.
• Identifying Risks: Insights into how the company identifies areas of its supply chains that may be at higher risk of labour exploitation.
• Training for Employees: Information about training programs that help employees recognise and respond to signs of modern slavery.
• Why It Matters: The main aim of a modern slavery statement is to promote openness in business practices. It encourages companies to carefully evaluate their operations, demonstrating their commitment to ethical labour practices and actively fighting labour exploitation.
• Publication Requirements: The statement must be approved by the company’s board of directors and signed by a director. It should be published on the company’s website.