5 ways businesses can eradicate modern slavery

As the year comes to a close, all companies with a turnover above £36million, that operate in the UK, should have published a modern slavery statement. But according to global register, Transparency in Supply Chain Report, less than half have done so, with many more failing to comply with the letter of the law. The quality of those statements have also been questioned. With International Day Against Slavery just passing, the question is: why are so few businesses getting it right – and how can they up their game?

Speaking to Alice Wood, Head of Lexington Communications’ Corporate Social Responsibility practice, she revealed to HR Grapevine exactly how businesses can be committed to eradicating modern slavery…

1. Understand what modern slavery is 

“Most people think slavery is a thing of the past,” she says. “So, perhaps understandably, many companies may not understand the relevance of the Modern Slavery Act. But, with the UN estimating there were over 40 million victims in 2016 (10-13,000 in the UK) all businesses need to take this seriously, regardless of sector or location. Just last year, one in ten UK businesses found evidence of modern slavery in their supply chains, including at Kozee Sleep, a supplier of beds to John Lewis, Dunelm Mill and Next. The International Labour Organisation has produced a set of indicators to help businesses identify unfair working practices, which range from violence to debt bondage and the withholding of wages. Knowing what stakeholders mean by ‘modern slavery’ is the first step towards responsible sourcing.”