Given the size of the problem and the complex and far-reaching nature of the supply chains of large companies, it is perhaps not surprising that incidents of modern slavery in supply chains can be common. Companies should present an accurate picture rather than seeking to cover up problems. Revealing these incidents in their statements shows business partners and consumers that companies are taking the issue seriously, and have effective risk assessment strategies in place.
For further information on this metric please refer to the Home Office Guidance, pp. 32-36, and CORE Guidance, pp. 22.
Has the company identified at least one incident of modern slavery?
‘Incident’ is defined as a case study, or description of any case of modern slavery involving an individual or group of individuals. In this respect, synonyms for ‘incidents of modern slavery’ can be references to identified ‘issues’ or ‘problems’ with ‘worker management’, ‘living conditions’, or ‘workplace practices’. Other synonyms can be ‘illegal’ or ‘unethical’ practices.
Please note the incident must refer to a specific example, not a general description of risk, which is covered by the metric 'MSA Identification of risks'.
If the company identified at least one incident relevant to the Modern Slavery Act, give them a value of “Yes” and please provide relevant details from the statement as a comment on your value.
If the company did not identify any incidents, or there is no relevant information in the statement, give them a value of “No”. Please include information in the comments section stating whether the company specified there were no incidents OR that there is no relevant information given.
For each value, please include a comment that copies relevant information and page numbers from the statement.
“Case study 1
In 2015, issues around worker management, accommodation provided and workplace practices were raised by our audits and a third party at a fruit farm in the UK which supplied a number of leading supermarkets including Waitrose. Two senior Waitrose managers visited the farm and a full review was conducted to investigate the allegations, which included worker interviews by an ethical trading specialist and documentation review.”
“Case study 2
Evidence of illegal and unethical practices came to light in a factory supplying John Lewis in 2013.”
* Note on choosing the Year of your answer
Read the MSA Statement carefully to find out what year it covers.
When a statement is referring to a Financial Year (FY) ending in Q1 or early Q2, it should be labeled with the previous year. Example:
- Statement for FY2018/19 ending in April 2019 = 2018
- Statement for FY2018/19 ending in May 2019 (or later) = 2019