Modern slavery chains

“Labour exploitation is rife in UK construction” according to BSI report

  • 30 Jan 2017

The British Standards Institution’s Trafficking & Supply Chain Slavery Patterns Index has indicated that the UK is exposed to an increased risk of modern day slavery entering the country from sixty-six percent of global nations. 

According to the Index; Russia, Slovakia, India and Pakistan are ranked ‘severe risk’ source countries from which ‘modern day slaves’ enter the UK.

The BSI Trafficking & Supply Chain Slavery Patterns Index has been established to help organisations assess and avoid the risks posed by slavery and trafficking, by looking at the intersection and relationship between source countries of displaced people and the likelihood of being exploited on arrival in destination countries.

Exploitations include human rights abuses, security threats and business continuity risks.

Fighting modern slavery in construction

Since the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act in 2015, slavery in global supply chains has become a major concern to the UK construction industry.

A 2016 report, titled Hidden in Plain Site – Modern Slavery in the Construction Industry, found that throughout the global construction industry and its material supply chains, modern slavery is common, concealed and subject to inadequate prevention, policing and prosecution.

The International Labour Organisation has estimated that there are 21 million people in forced labour around the world, generating profits in the private economy of $150 billion. It is thought that 13,000 of modern slaves are currently employed in the UK.

Kevin Hyland, OBE, The UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, commented: “Evidence suggests labour exploitation is rife in the UK. Construction, agriculture, hospitality and seafood are core sectors in my work against modern slavery. Along with statutory agencies, government departments and NGOs, it is incumbent on companies to drive out any forms of exploitation.”

The reports follow a pledge by UK Prime Minister Theresa May last July to spend £33 million on tackling modern slavery, describing it as “the great human rights issue of our time”.

Leave a Reply

Latest news

Safeguard
Scafftag

Scafftag: Ladders, podiums and step inspection guidance

It is generally safer to use work equipment such as tower scaffolds, podium steps, temporary stairs or MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) than ladders. Scafftag has more…

Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Plant, Equipment and Hire, Security and Fire Protection, Site Preparation

Hush

Hush: Why does an acoustic wall need isolation tape?

The key to creating an acoustic wall or floor that delivers on its promise is to ensure all areas of the construction are treated in the most effective ways to minimise the potential for sound paths. Hush Acoustics has more…

Posted in Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Facility Management & Building Services, Floors, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Walls

Velstone

Velstone proves the smart solid surface choice for educational environments

Velstone, a leading manufacturer and supplier of solid surfaces, has emerged as the ultimate solution that excels in all three key areas, making it the smart choice for educational environments.

Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Interior Design & Construction, Interiors, Kitchens, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation