Modern Slavery Act Statement

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 came into force in October last year and applies to financial years ending on or after 31 March 2016.

The Act requires large organisations doing business in the UK, with a minimum total turnover of £36 million per year to publicly state each year the action(s) they have taken to ensure that their supply chains are slavery free.

We would advise that the statement must include or state as follows:

  • the steps the business has taken during the financial year to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any of its supply chains, and in any part of its own business; or
  • that the organisation has taken no such steps.

The statement may contain other information, such as the organisation’s structure, its due diligence processes in relation to slavery and human trafficking and any training on the subject that is provided to its employees.

While there is no set time limit in which to make the statement, the Home Office guidance provides that a business is encouraged to make it within six months of the end of the previous financial year.

If the organisation has a website, it must publish the statement on that website and include a link to the slavery and human trafficking statement in a prominent place on the homepage.

Employers:  even smaller companies are being asked to publish a Modern Slavery Act Statement if they are tendering for work with certain customers.

We can provide further information on this topic and can also assist organisations in preparing a compliant statement.

Contact us if you need help with a Modern Slavery Act Statement

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