Modern slavery

Modern slavery – advice and support for employers

Modern slavery is a serious criminal offence and an increasingly important area of compliance for UK employers. Businesses are expected not only to prevent modern slavery within their own workforce, but also to take reasonable steps to identify and address risks throughout their supply chains. Failures in this area can lead to significant legal exposure, regulatory scrutiny and lasting reputational damage, especially in the age of social media.

At Coodes, our expert employment team advise employers across the region on meeting their obligations under modern slavery legislation and embedding responsible, ethical practices into their operations. Our aim is to provide clear, practical guidance that supports compliance while recognising the commercial realities faced by employers.

Understanding your obligations

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 places duties on organisations to take action against slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Larger businesses are required to publish an annual modern slavery statement setting out the steps they are taking to prevent these practices in their business and supply chains. Increasingly, organisations of all sizes are also expected to demonstrate compliance when tendering for work, particularly in public sector and regulated markets.

You may face risk through your recruitment practices, use of agency workers, overseas labour, subcontracting arrangements and complex supply chains.

How we can help

Our employment team can support you and your business by:

• Advising on compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, including thresholds and reporting requirements.
• Drafting and reviewing modern slavery statements, policies and codes of conduct.
• Assessing risk within your workforce and supply chains and advising on proportionate mitigation measures.
• Reviewing recruitment, agency and supplier arrangements and helping to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Supporting internal governance and training, ensuring managers understand their responsibilities and are able to spot areas of potential risk.
• Advising on responses to identified concerns, including escalation, investigation and remedial action.

Taking early, informed advice will help you reduce risk, protect your reputation and meet the growing expectations around ethical business conduct. Our employment experts will provide pragmatic, employer-focused advice to help you navigate modern-slavery obligations with confidence and integrity.

Fees

Related topics:

• Redundancy and restructuring advice
• HR training
• Whistleblowing
• Settlement agreements
• Employment Tribunal representation
• Contracts, handbooks and policies