UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner: Businesses Must Lead the Fight Against Modern Slavery

LONDON, August 24, 2017 /3BL Media/ - The UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has called upon businesses to take the lead in combatting modern slavery. Speaking to Front Group Ltd about the role of business in eradicating forced labour, Kevin Hyland OBE, said: “The Modern Slavery Act has sparked the beginnings of a much needed cultural shift and increased prioritisation to prevent this abhorrent abuse. Businesses must be at the centre of the fight against modern slavery”.

Echoing the UK Commissioner, Group Policy Director Paul Gerrard of the British retailer Co-op said: “Modern slavery is the biggest ethical issue for businesses in the UK in 2017. I hope we recognise that all businesses need to go way beyond just compliance with the Modern Slavery Act.” 

Whilst the “cultural shift” has started taking place, the question of how businesses can build slavery-free supply chains remains unanswered. To help companies move beyond basic compliance to implementing corporate strategy, Front Group Ltd have launched the Second Global Modern Slavery and Supply Chain Summit.

Thai Union, The Body Shop, JLL, Co-op, Debenhams, Roche, Travis Perkins, NXP Semiconductors, the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority plus 150 other international brands and policymakers are scheduled to speak and share their progress at the summit on 14th November in London under the Chatham House Rule.

To facilitate a thorough discussion, Front Group Ltd have confirmed senior business leaders responsible for both strategy development and programme implementation from all over the world including Europe, North America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The speakers include board members, senior procurement, policy, legal, and trade and sustainability practitioners from across such industries as apparel, retail, construction, food, utilities, electronics, consumer goods, beauty and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and government.

Combined with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act and upcoming EU, Australian and Canadian legislation, the UK Modern Slavery Act is arguably transforming corporate supply chains. Dmitry Elizarov of Front Group Ltd is adamant of this, stating: “We want to create a platform where businesses can join forces to keep ahead of the legislation and openly discuss the biggest challenges in this space.”  

Further details of the summit, speakers and the agenda could be found here: https://front-group.co.uk/modernslavery/

For further questions regarding attending, speaking or sponsoring, please contact Dmitry Elizarov at dmitry@front-group.co.uk or on +44 20 3397 6587.