FREE Breakfast event: The Modern Slavery Act, What do you need to know?

The Modern Slavery Act 2015, was the UK's latest step towards eliminating slavery, in all its forms. 

Since then, many UK construction companies have reviewed their own businesses and supply chains and published statements about the approach they have taken, with the aim of ensuring that modern slavery, including human trafficking, is not taking place within their business or supply chain.

In a 2015 research report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, construction was number two on the list of economic sectors in the EU most prone to labour exploitation. Modern slavery presents itself in a number of forms, whether it's bonded labour, poor wages, working and living conditions, intimidation and violence, or human trafficking.

Given that construction is a sector which requires a fully flexible and often temporary labour force to meet constantly fluctuating demand, this could explain the high level of risk. This model of working creates greater profit for construction businesses but contributes to a lack of transparency in the labour supply chain. Additionally, it's a sector heavily reliant on the procurement of materials sourced through multiple suppliers which exacerbates that lack of transparency.

A survey of the construction industry by the Supply Chain Sustainability School found that, although most respondents (three in four) were generally aware of what the Act covers, less than half of those surveyed said they knew what action to take if the issue arose in their organisation.

Do you know what you need to do under the Modern Slavery Act?

Have you worked out what you next steps are?

Join us at our breakfast debate on 15 March in our canal side offices to review what you have done so far, any lessons learnt, to share best practice, and set out plans for the coming year.