ESG Elephant Explained: Modern Slavery

Slavery? In 2024? 

Sadly, yes. 

Modern slavery is the next topic from our ESG Elephant that we would like to explore. 

What is modern slavery? 

Many definitions of modern slavery exist, and they all include aspects of control, involuntary actions, and exploitation. 

Examples could be forced labor, human trafficking, and prostitution, all of which occur in our modern society.  

It especially affects people living in vulnerable circumstances, who are more likely to be tricked and exploited.  

Migrant workers, for example, are three times more likely than non-migrant workers to be in forced labor. 

How big a problem is it? 

Modern slavery is one of the biggest acts against human rights in our societies today. 

In 2021, fifty million people were living a life in modern slavery. 

And it is happening closer than you might think. 

According to the ILO, 52% of all forced labor can be found in upper-middle income or high-income countries. 

The increasingly complex supply chains we see today only make it more difficult to spot. 

In the UK, they have already taken legal steps to combat modern slavery with the suitably named Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

Among other things, this due diligence legislation contains a supply chain clause stating that big businesses must make their efforts to stop their suppliers’ use of slave labor public. 

Considering this and the statistics above, it is pretty clear that modern slavery is no small issue. 

What can you do to prevent it in your company? 

Although you might not think modern slavery exists in your supply chain, you can never be too sure.  

Through supply chain mapping, audits, collaboration with your suppliers, and providing relevant training, you have a better chance of identifying and addressing any instances of modern slavery.  

We can help! Reach out to us by clicking the button below.