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pg. 5
"ASSESSMENT OF MODERN SLAVERY RISK WITHIN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
In 2020/21 the following countries were prioritised as highest risk to Food and C&H for modern slavery:
Food highest risk countries for modern slavery
Thailand
Malaysia
India
Italy
Spain
UK
C&H highest risk countries for modern slavery
Bangladesh
India
Turkey
Thailand
Pakistan
Malaysia
In addition, there are a number of global issues we have identified as priority areas and will continue to monitor and review activity for:
• Covid-19 – Over the last year, with severe limitations on in-person monitoring of supplier sites and labour providers, we identified an increase in the risk of labour exploitation and modern slavery within our supply base.
• Brexit – In the UK, following Brexit, the end of freedom of movement for EU citizens will have a direct impact on sectors vulnerable to exploitation. This will significantly impact sectors looking to find alternative low-skilled labour and so continuation with due diligence is essential.
• Xinjiang – 100% of our cotton is sustainably sourced and we have been partners with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) since 2007. In March 2020, BCI suspended licensing and assurance activities in Xinjiang and as a result there is no new licensed Better Cotton coming from the region. We know a greater understanding is required of the provenance of Food ingredient products (such as paprika and tomato pastes and sub-products) from the region and our possible exposure – this will be a focus for us in the coming 6 months.
• In Foods for our high risk, ‘A list’ raw materials we ensure compliance with a preferred supplier list, however we know there is more to do. This year, as part of our work implementing the Food Human Rights Standard, we will map our indirect ingredient suppliers in high-risk regions to understand our possible exposure to human rights and modern slavery risk."
added resource (see above)
Industry and workforce: page 6