Navigate requirements, go beyond compliance and into best practice
The launch of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 has set the standard in legislative terms, for labour exploitation. There are increased penalties for people found guilty of exploitation and slavery, but also a requirement on businesses to ensure that goods and services generated are not delivered with exploitation.

With 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone, there are now more people enslaved than there have ever been in human history. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and their willing participants and the built environment is no exception.
The Construction Protocol
In April 2017, the Construction Industry Charter was launched, which brought together a coalition of organisations committed to eradicating slavery and other unethical labour practices within the construction supply chain. Together they have committed to:
- Develop tools, materials and training that support the development of best practice approaches to the issue of business and human rights
- Support best practice through partnerships and research
- Use their influence, and working with relevant authorities, to support the abolition of illegal and unethical practices whenever they are found
This charter now supports the work undertaken by the government’s Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority and the Construction Protocol, of which the Supply Chain Sustainability School and Action Sustainability (the School’s delivery partner) are signatories.
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist
Document / Presentation
Modern Slavery
Setting Up Your Site to Combat Modern Slavery
Document / Presentation
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery Statement Evaluation Criteria
Tool
Modern Slavery - Can you spot the signs?
A film designed to support your employees in understanding the signs of Modern Slavery in today’s working environment. The film explains how any individual on site can help identify victims of this crime and provides details of where to go to get help.
Modern Slavery
The UK Government Modern Slavery Statement
Web link
Modern Slavery
Brexit And Modern Slavery: Report
Document / Presentation
Modern Slavery
Horse Traders
Video
Modern Slavery
Welsh Gov – Modern Slavery & Human Rights Abuses
Document / Presentation


Right to Work & Immigration
Companies are legally obliged to ensure that any employee recruited has a right to work in the UK. The checks made to ensure someone is in the country legally can also be used to spot victims of exploitation.
See the guidance and videos that outline the legal requirements when recruiting staff in our resource library.
Sustainability Strategy
Supply Chain Mapping and Modern Slavery
E-learning Module
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Mapping Protocol
Document / Presentation
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Mapping Results
Document / Presentation



