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Modern slavery is a grave human rights issue that involves various forms of exploitation. You may think the issue now only exists in the history books, but it is still a very real and ongoing crime.
It is estimated that there are in excess of 10,000 victims of slavery in the UK and over 40 million worldwide.
Businesses have a duty to recognise their responsibility in combating modern slavery and contributing to its extinction.
You may very well be running a professional and compliant company, but that doesn’t mean others in your network are too.
No industry is immune to encountering partners and suppliers who have an involvement in modern slavery.
Companies that outsource jobs and departments, deal with supply chains, or work with partners in industries such as retail, agriculture and construction should especially take a keen interest in spotting the signs.
These sectors typically have more high-risk factors associated with the human rights violation that is modern slavery.
What is modern slavery?
There are several types of modern slavery.
Labour exploitation is where victims are forced to work for illegally low pay and often in extremely poor working conditions.
Domestic servitude is where victims work in private homes with often little or no pay. The ill treatment is often carried out by a family member or partner.
Sexual exploitation is where victims are forced to perform non-consensual or abusive sexual acts as well as being used in prostitution or pornography.
Criminal exploitation is where a victim is forced into committing a crime for someone else’s gain, including drug offences, fraud or handling stolen goods.
Illegal immigration is different to modern slavery. This is where a victim agrees to come to the UK illegally but there is no intention to exploit them.
Industries at higher risk of modern slavery
Frequently an unseen crime, modern slavery is a growing concern around the world.
There are some higher-risk sectors that your company may be involved in. Your organisation has an obligation to prevent all types of modern slavery.
Here are some areas that may require your due diligence:
Domestic work
In such isolated environments, domestic workers can be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse from partners and family members.
Manufacturing
Certain types of manufacturing, particularly those with labour-intensive processes and complex supply chains, can be at risk of involving modern slavery.
Fashion
Often relying on global supply chains, apparel can involve subcontracting to factories and workshops in countries with less than desirable labour regulations.
Agriculture
Workers who take part in seasonal work such as farming, food production and other types of agriculture can be vulnerable to exploitation. They can be forced to work long hours for low pay.
Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses sometimes employ low-wage workers, which can expose them to risks of exploitation.
Electronics
The electronics industry relies heavily on global supply chains. Workers in this industry may be exposed to hazardous conditions, lack of training, and unfair labour practices.
Construction
There can be an increased risk of exploitation for workers in the construction industry as companies often use a variety of subcontractors and temporary workers. This can cause oversight and complications in tracing human trafficking and other types of modern slavery.
Mining
The extraction of minerals and resources can involve hazardous working conditions and exploitation.
Fishing
In both commercial and illegal operations, fishing can involve forced labour and other forms of exploitation due to the isolation and dangerous nature of the work.
Your company’s responsibility
In the UK, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires businesses to take steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within their supply chains or their own operations.
Businesses should prioritise ethical practices and strive to ensure their operations and supply chains do not contribute to modern slavery or any other human rights violations.
It's important for businesses in these and other industries to conduct thorough due diligence on their supply chains.
This includes identifying high-risk areas, conducting audits, and implementing policies and practices to prevent and address modern slavery.
Collaboration with NGOs, industry associations, and government bodies can aid in addressing these challenges.
Many instances of modern slavery occur within complex global supply chains. Businesses can take steps to ensure transparency and traceability throughout their supply chains.
Identify any potential risks of modern slavery committed by your partners, suppliers and clients. Implement screening processes to assess their practices, policies, and commitment to fair labour standards.
Develop and enforce strong ethical and social responsibility policies that explicitly condemn modern slavery.
These policies should be taught to employees and expressed to suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Educate your employees, partners, and suppliers about modern slavery and its various forms. Training can help people recognise the signs of exploitation and understand their roles in preventing it.
This will also communicate to your staff that your company cares about its workers and supply chain, therefore aiding staff retention.
Establish clear channels for reporting any suspicions or incidents of modern slavery within your organisation or supply chain.
Whistleblower protections should be in place to encourage individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.
Ensure that workers are paid fair wages in accordance with local laws and regulations. Inadequate wages can contribute to the vulnerability of workers to modern slavery practices.
If you think you’ve seen the signs…
If you suspect any kind of modern slavery is taking place, you can report this in several ways.
Anonymously report suspicions online by visiting moderslaveryhelpling.org or calling their helpline on 0800 121 700.
Do not alert the victim as this could place both you and them in danger.
When there may be an immediate risk of harm, call 999.