Modern Slavery Act 2015
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 introduced a new statutory obligation on large businesses to publish an annual statement on the steps they are taking to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place within their business operations and their supply chain.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Transparency in the Supply Chains) Regulations 2015, which came into effect on 29 October 2015, builds on Section 54 and provide more detail on the requirements. Large businesses are those with a turnover of £36 million or more. Importantly, even where a business does not reach this financial threshold, it may be asked by clients or vendors to assist them in completing their own statement.
Whilst the majority of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is only applicable in England and Wales, certain sections of it are also applicable to Scotland. This includes the requirement to publish a human trafficking and slavery statement as per section 54 of the act. The full extent to which the act is applied in Scotland can be found in the extent provisions listed in section 60 of the act.
The new requirements apply across all industry sectors, however there are a number of sectors heavily reliant on migrant labour and where the risks of slavery and trafficking and exploitation are greater.
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015 – guidance and model documents: REC factsheet explaining the requirements in detail. Includes two template documents - a model policy and a model annual statement.
- Transparency in supply chains: a practical guide: Home Office detailed guidance. You can also see if you need a Modern Slavery policy.