Modern slavery is real, and it exists in the form of forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and servitude. It’s happening all around the world, and it’s taking place across the UK too. You may not notice it as a bystander, but modern-day slavery is present in everyday life. Individuals are being exploited for personal or commercial gain in shops, beauty salons, bars, construction, and even at your carwash. Fortunately, there are laws that can prevent this violation of human rights from happening and getting out of hand.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires that all organisations that supply goods and services in the UK and have an annual turnover of £36 million or more should have a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement displayed on their website to explain how they address slavery in their business or supply chain.
To comply with the UK Modern Slavery Act, organisations should consider and implement a policy even if you aren’t legally obligated to do so to ensure all staff, contractors, and supply chains are working harmoniously to counter slavery and human trafficking.
The Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy
This policy allows you to monitor and control your business operations for potential risks related to slavery and human trafficking. Having such a policy in place encourages transparency in your organisation. It also sets a good example for others, encouraging them to follow your steps and help promote good ethical business practices.
A Modern Slavery Policy should include the following key points:
- Legal Compliance
- Ethical Responsibility
- Supply Chain Management
- Obligations
- Communication
- Breach
Modern Slavery Act requirements
Companies under the Act must do everything in their power to eliminate modern-day slavery in their organisations. If obligated to do so, they must publish annual reports that should include the following:
- A human trafficking statement
- Due diligence processes and rigorous audits
- Corrective action steps such as the whistleblowing policy
- Risk assessment in their operations and supply chains
- Teaching and training staff
- Supplier Code of Conduct
To comply, companies must provide this statement every year.
Final thoughts
At K&K Legal Consulting, we do our best to protect our clients, so we have added a Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy on our website. Having this policy in place means that your business is committed to creating an ethical workplace where you promote and protect human rights. Improving moral values is of high interest and value to many, not only your employees but investors, partners and customers too, and it will protect the brand image of your organisation.
If you have any questions about policies, contracts, startups or GDPR, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer virtual consultations via Zoom, making it convenient to get in touch whenever needed.