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Large businesses and charities are now required by law to publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement.

Who does this apply to?

  • Both UK and non-UK entities that carry on a business or part of a business in the UK including entities pursuing primarily charitable or educational aims or purely public functions;
  • Who supply goods or services; AND
  • Who have a minimum total global turnover of £36 million per annum including the turnover of subsidiaries (wherever they are based).

What is slavery and human trafficking?

Conduct that constitutes

  • slavery;
  • servitude;
  • forced or compulsory labour; or
  • human trafficking.

Content of Statement:

The Statement must include either:

  • a statement of the steps the organisation 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
  • a statement that the organisation has taken no such steps.

Publication of Statement:

  • If the organisation has a website, it must be published on the website and include a link to the statement in a prominent place on the homepage.
  • If the organisation does not have a website it must provide a copy of the Statement to anyone who requests one within 30 days of the Company receiving the written request.

When do organisations need to do this?

The legislation applies to financial years ending on or after 31 March 2016.

The Home Office guidance provides that a commercial organisation should publish the Statement within six months of the financial year end to which the Statement relates.

If you would like any further assistance in relation to the contents of this article, please do not hesitate to contact either Richard Monkcom or Christopher Louth.

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