Publication 23 Jun 2025 · United Kingdom

Modern slavery

2 min read

In this publication

18 Pages

ESG Insights Hub

1. COP

1.1. COP27

2. ESG for the Real Estate and Construction Industry

3. ESG in real estate

4. ESG and finance

5. ESG: The People Perspective

5.1. Equality, diversity & inclusion

5.2. Mental health and wellbeing

5.3. Modern slavery

5.4. Workforce reporting

5.5. Climate change

5.6. Working parents and carers

5.7. Disability

6. Biodiversity

7. Energy transition

8. ESG in corporate transactions

9. The circular economy

10. ESG Risks

Key contacts

London

Sarah Ozanne

Of Counsel

Bristol

Anna Cope

Partner

Aberdeen

Niamh Williamson

Associate

Modern slavery and forced labour issues have been moving up the risk register. Increasing regulation of businesses and their supply chains in this area, both in the UK and internationally, as well as innovative litigation and stakeholder action are forcing organisations to focus on this area. The current direction of travel is towards more regulation.

Organisations are expected to be transparent about the steps they take to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in their business or supply chains. Being proactive on this issue will make organisations better placed to respond to these demands, and the regulatory and business challenges they present.

Steps that organisations can take include:

	Assessing whether it is required to publish a modern slavery statement, or whether voluntarily publishing a statement would make good business sense.
	Due diligence to identify risks in its business and supply chains, and the steps needed to mitigate those risks.
	Creating both internal and supplier policies and codes of conduct that reflect their culture and stance on this issue.
	Training to staff and other stakeholders on how to identify and report concerns.
	Reviewing and updating tender processes to respond to the increased focus on this issue.

Visit resources

ESG Insights Hub

1. COP

1.1. COP27

2. ESG for the Real Estate and Construction Industry

3. ESG in real estate

4. ESG and finance

5. ESG: The People Perspective

5.1. Equality, diversity & inclusion

5.2. Mental health and wellbeing

5.3. Modern slavery

5.4. Workforce reporting

5.5. Climate change

5.6. Working parents and carers

5.7. Disability

6. Biodiversity

7. Energy transition

8. ESG in corporate transactions

9. The circular economy

10. ESG Risks

5.2. Mental health and wellbeing

5.4. Workforce reporting

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Modern slavery

On this page

Key contacts

Steps that organisations can take include:

Assessing whether it is required to publish a modern slavery statement, or whether voluntarily publishing a statement would make good business sense.

Due diligence to identify risks in its business and supply chains, and the steps needed to mitigate those risks.

Creating both internal and supplier policies and codes of conduct that reflect their culture and stance on this issue.

Training to staff and other stakeholders on how to identify and report concerns.

Reviewing and updating tender processes to respond to the increased focus on this issue.

Visit resources

The tide is turning - navigating Modern Slavery and Forced Labour Regulations

The tide is turning - navigating Modern Slavery and Forced Labour Regulations

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