Campaign groups hope the new Act will help achieve fairness and transparency in food supply chains
The Modern Slavery Act, which came into force on 1st April, requires large companies to report on the actions they have taken to stamp out slavery in their supply chains. The Fairtrade Foundation campaigned alongside the Ethical Trade Initiative to have the clause on transparency in supply chains included in the Act.
The Act requires organisations with a turnover of more than £36 million to include a statement in their company reports explaining any activities they have undertaken to tackle modern slavery and wider human rights issues within their business operations and supply chains.
Child labour and forced labour (forms of slavery covered by the Act) are endemic problems in many food supply chains. By requiring companies to investigate their procedures and their suppliers, the Act will help expose and hopefully eliminate these practices.
Sustain campaigns for fair practices in all food supply chains: read more here.
Published Friday 1 April 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
