Have you been asked to set out what steps your business is taking to prevent slavery?
nThe word ‘slavery’ conjures up the image of people being forced to work against their will or being deprived of their freedom in servitude and reminds people of years gone by and renowned dramas such as Roots or ‘Twelve Years a Slave’. Today, slavery is not common in the UK and any examples tend to hit the headlines.
nSo why might a business be asked to give a statement on what they are doing to prevent slavery in their business?
nThis is as a result of the Modern Slavery Act which applies to companies with a global turnover of more than £36 million together with its subsidiaries and they need to publish an anti-slavery statement to set out what steps they are taking to eliminate slavery in their supply chain. Whilst there are not many organisations with this level of turnover, the Act will have a cascade effect and filter down to smaller organisations which are part of the supply chain.
nThe definition of modern slavery is broad and includes forced labour, servitude, exploitation, behaviour which deprives a victim of their freedom, an obligation to live on another person’s property and human trafficking. The latter does not have to be international and could include agreeing to travel because of the promise of a better life elsewhere.
nPutting this into context, a business which has the required turnover, such as a supermarket or food producer, will have to produce an annual statement of the steps taken every year so that modern slavery is not taking place or produce a statement that the organisation is not taking any steps. The latter option would not be good for public relations.
nIn order to produce a statement, the business will have to contact all its suppliers and ask them what steps they are taking. So even though the suppliers may have a turnover of less than £36 million, they too will need to state what they are doing to eliminate modern slavery and in order to do this, they will need to contact their suppliers. Using the supermarket example, there will be numerous food suppliers and each one will have to contact their suppliers.
nA business at the top of the chain could also exert pressure on suppliers by threatening to take their business elsewhere if no response is received.
nSo, whilst this law which came into effect on the 29th October 2015 may seem irrelevant to many small businesses it does have far-reaching implications and should not be ignored.
nIf you would like further information or support for your business please contact Sheila Watson on 01429 857082, sheila.watson@hartlepool.gov.uk