Modern slavery is not something new. It has been around for many years and still exists in today’s society behind closed doors.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Under the modern slavery act 2015, it has been described as when a person is threatened and forced to work against their own will. The person is seen to be a commodity and is owned by an employer who physically and mentally abuses them. The slave would have restricted freedom.
The act also covers human trafficking; this is when humans are traded for forced labour.
Modern slavery has no place in today’s world yet it still continues. With this in mind the act holds the employer accountable if they have ‘slaves’ within their company or within their supply chain.
Human Trafficking
Under section 54 of the act, companies have a legal responsibility to produce an annual report to demonstrate what steps they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking does not take place within their businesses or within their supply chain.
The report should demonstrate what measures employers have taken to identify slavery and trafficking and what they have done to mitigate it. Examples of measures include vetting your suppliers. Suppliers should be able to provide information to their client about adhering to national minimum wage law and that their working conditions are acceptable and lawful.
Failing to demonstrate good working practice will lead to hefty financial penalties, potential imprisonment as well as reputational damage.
In the case of Galdikas & Ors v DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd & Ors 2016, six Lithuanian men were trafficked and abused for many years. They worked on a farm catching chickens. The men’s tribunal claim confirmed that they were trafficked, treated as slaves, working long appalling hours in horrendous working conditions. The High Court ruled in their favour. The workers won their case and was awarded thousands of pounds, based on withholding wages, low pay when their pay should have been based on agricultural minimum wage and working in inhumane conditions.
Modern slavery has also been recently highlighted in the BBC radio show ‘the Archers’. The ongoing storyline illustrates that it is not just people from different countries being abused here in Great Britain, but British disabled people too with low confidence have been mentally abused and treated as slaves.
Employers are urged to look out for warning signs of abuse.
The article is for general information purposes only and should you require any further assistance on the matter please do not hesitate to call our advice-line team on 01455 852028.
