Overview

This bill mandates large UK retailers and manufacturers to publicly disclose their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their supply chains. It requires annual statements detailing specific actions taken, and also provides protections and rights for victims.

Description

The Eradication of Slavery (UK Company Supply Chains) Act 2012 requires retailers and manufacturers with over £100,000,000 in annual worldwide gross receipts to disclose their anti-slavery measures. This disclosure must be included in their annual report and posted online. If a company lacks a website, it must provide the information to consumers within 30 days of a written request.

The disclosure must specify whether the company engages in:

• Verification of supply chains to identify and address slavery and human trafficking risks (stating if the verification was independent).
• Supplier audits to evaluate compliance with company standards (stating if audits were independent and unannounced).
• Requiring suppliers to certify compliance with anti-slavery laws in their operating countries.
• Maintaining internal accountability standards for employees or contractors who violate company standards.
• Providing training on slavery and human trafficking to employees responsible for supply chain management.

Furthermore, companies must take necessary and appropriate action to assist victims of slavery and human trafficking uncovered in their supply chains, and report on this action in their annual reports.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly allocate any specific government spending. The cost of compliance will fall on businesses, potentially resulting in increased administrative costs for larger companies. The government may incur costs associated with enforcement and monitoring of compliance.

Groups Affected

• Large Retailers and Manufacturers: These businesses will bear the primary burden of increased compliance costs and reporting requirements.
• Suppliers: Increased scrutiny and potential certification requirements may affect their operations and profitability.
• Victims of Slavery and Human Trafficking: The bill aims to protect and support these individuals through the actions of the companies in their supply chains.
• Consumers: They gain access to information about companies' efforts to combat slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains.

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