IEMA has joined a coalition of leading construction sector institutions and associations, with the shared objective of raising awareness to eradicate modern slavery in construction supply chains.
The Modern Slavery Charter supports the principle that slavery, in all its forms, has no place in commerce. Signatories commit to seek opportunities to uphold, preserve and promote the right of freedom in the UK construction industry and will:
- act in accordance with laws and regulations;
- develop tools, materials and training that support the development of best practice approaches to the issue of business and human rights;
- support best practice through partnerships and research; and
- use their influence, working with relevant authorities, to support the abolition of illegal and unethical practices whenever they are found.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 helped to bring the issue of slavery and human trafficking to the attention of UK businesses and civil society. Section 54, Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC), highlights the risk to business of finding examples in global supply chains. Many IEMA members active in construction, sustainable procurement and supply chains are supporting organisations to understand and resolve these challenges. High-profile court cases have also highlighted the illegal practices taking place across Britain.
The coalition’s supporters also include BRE, BSI, Supply Chain Services and Solutions, the Chartered Institute of Building, Build UK, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, and the Supply Chain Sustainability School. The Ethical Trading Initiative, BHRRC, IHRB and Stronger Together are among the supporters from civil society.
The growing body of support demonstrates a real intent to raise awareness through professional members, with the charter providing an industry focal point to collaborate on business human rights issues.
