Cabinet Office Publishes Procurement Policy for Tackling Modern Slavery in Supply Chains.
The Government has made clear its determination to tackle modern slavery crimes, referring to them as “the great human rights issue of our time”. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that there are 25 million people in forced labour across the world. To tackle these crimes in the UK supply chain, the Modern Slavery Act was introduced in 2015. The Act consolidates and clarifies modern slavery offences; toughens penalties and prosecution; and introduces greater support and protection for victims.
To support public sector procurers with identifying and managing the risk of modern slavery occurring in its’ supply chains, the Cabinet Office has recently published a modern slavery procurement policy note (PPN).
The PPN, along with an accompanying guide, sets out how UK Government departments must take action to ensure modern slavery risks are identified and managed in government supply chains.
Although the PPN does not apply directly to local government, it gives a clear steer for local authorities on what constitutes good practice in this area and forms a good starting point for determining local policy and practice.
The Policy Note and Guidance are available to download from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0519-tackling-modern-slavery-in-government-supply-chains