• It’s important to remember that it can affect even legitimate businesses, small and large
• The anti-slavery charity Unseen records labour exploitation in industries as diverse as construction, hospitality, beauty, agriculture and logistics
• Guaranteeing ethical supply isn’t exclusive to large businesses; SMEs should also know who they’re working with and learn which questions to ask
• Large businesses with a turnover of £36m have a requirement within the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to publish a modern slavery statement
• Corporates are looking for assurance from SMEs in their supply chain that they know and understand the risks of modern slavery
• Taking appropriate steps to reduce the risk of exploitation for your workers could build your brand’s reputation and even win you business

Modern slavery – the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain – is a serious crime and an abuse of human rights. It is defined in the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 as comprising the offences of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. It can exist in any supply chain, any industry and any workplace, and it’s happening in the UK. 

All businesses are vulnerable to modern slavery occurring within their operations. At NatWest Mentor, we describe it as a well-hidden crime. And, without appropriate precautions, modern slavery can occur without the business owner knowing.

The Modern Slavery Act sets out a range of measures on how modern slavery and human trafficking should be dealt with in the UK. Section 54 requires businesses with a turnover of £36m or more to publish an annual statement setting out the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their business and supply chains. Where no steps have been taken, a statement must also disclose this point.

Legislation is predicted to tighten further in the future. According to professional services firm PwC, the Home Office is considering a range of options to boost compliance and strengthen reporting, including more punitive sanctions for corporate compliance failings.

As part of their due diligence, large companies are scrutinising how SMEs in their supply chain, or those bidding for contracts, are demonstrating that they are managing risks effectively. If you apply for a government contract, you will also have to prove how you are protecting workers. 

Consumers, investors, and non-governmental organisations are increasingly likely to apply pressure where they believe a business has not taken sufficient steps to reduce the risk of exploitation for their workers. 

For more information about modern slavery, visit the Unseen website or GOV.UK.

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