MODERN SLAVERY
Victims per 100,000
due diligence in the supply chain but it is replaced or substituted at site level for a cheaper and less ethical or unethical product, that’s fundamentally detrimental to addressing the issue.”
0-5
5-10
Demand evidence Mitchell-Hill concedes that even
10-15
organisations that are doing their best to ensure they have an ethical supply chain cannot completely guarantee that there is no forced labour in the supply of building products and materials. “But they should do everything they can to make sure forced labour is not happening in their supply chain and they should be able to provide evidence of the actions they have taken. I would not take somebody’s word for it. I would say, ‘Show me what you’re doing. Show me how well you buy and provide me with due diligence and evidence’.” A very real concern, says Mitchell- Hill, is that the UK might fail at its efforts to stamp out importation of products made from forced labour – whether related to construction or not. “Fundamentally, we’re on the back foot. We are in danger of becoming a dumping ground for goods made by forced labour, goods that are turned away from the EU, because we haven’t got the same controls in place that others have. “We definitely need a review and strict penalties. Somebody somewhere has to take on the accountability for what’s not being done to address modern slavery. The number of victims is staggering, they sound so big it can be hard to relate to. “But when I go out and walk supply chains right back to the end, right to the raw materials, and I see what that looks like, then the impact of that stays with me. It drives me to have these conversations with business, because in no way, shape or form is it okay.”
15-20
20+
Regions where modern slavery is worst: ● West Midlands ● Metropolitan London ● Bedfordshire ● Greater Manchester ● West Yorkshire. Cities most susceptible to modern slavery: ● London ● Birmingham ● Leeds
● Sheffield ● Bradford ● Manchester
These cities are located in the five most vulnerable police force areas, where the proportion of people without qualifications, or who are foreign born is above the UK average.
Source: Global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft
Solving the modern slavery issue is a challenge, Mitchell-Hill explains, because the paradigm is all wrong. “Until we stop putting profits ahead of people, the problem will persist. “There has been a huge emphasis on the environment and decarbonisation, but still no real emphasis on what I would call ‘ethical decarbonisation’ and what that means for global supply chains and on sites. “Construction businesses need to look at where they procure materials from. If something has been specified with
documentation and/or passports. If you think someone’s life is in immediate danger, Mitchell-Hill says to call 999 for support. However, if “something feels a bit off” take steps to investigate. Taking a slow and steady approach helps to reduce the risk of worsening the situation for those who have been forced into labour. “If you have a conversation with somebody who is in a modern slavery situation, you can refer them to the modern slavery helpline.” (Listed at the end of the article.)
Who to call If you suspect modern slavery, report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or the police on 101 . In an emergency always call 999 .
33
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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