House builder Barratt Developments has completely reviewed its supply chain and has set up a dedicated whistleblower hotline to combat modern slavery.
These practical elements are just some of the actions taken by Barratt and other companies revealed on Anti-Slavery Day 2016 and one year on from the launch of The Modern Slavery Act.
In a new survey by the Supply Chain School that surveyed 14,000 construction industry members, it was found that 75% of respondents said they knew what the Act covered and how it affected their organisation.
“We have reviewed our exposure right across the business and included specific requirements within our contract terms and conditions, plus signposting to a dedicated whistleblowing hotline.”
Sarah Pratt, Barratt
However, practical advice and work is still needed to get construction companies to initiate change as more than half (51%) of those surveyed stated they either did not know, or were unsure what actual steps to take if they encountered modern slavery in their business or supply chain.
Shaun McCarthy, chair of the Supply Chain School, said: “Although more still needs to be done to raise awareness, the big priority now is to help those already aware to move to action. It is time to graduate from talking to doing.”
Sarah Pratt, head of corporate sustainability at Barratt, said that as the UK’s largest housebuilder it was committed to taking action, not just making promises about having zero tolerance for modern slavery.
She said: “We have reviewed our exposure right across the business and included specific requirements within our contract terms and conditions, plus signposting to a dedicated whistleblowing hotline.
“To mark Anti-Slavery Day 2016, an enabling programme of Modern Slavery Act training is also being launched to support all those with responsibility for recruitment of staff, subcontractors, agency and temporary workers.”
