The UK's independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Kyland, has today published a joint statement backed by IHRB as part of a multistakeholder coalition consisting of the private sector, business and human rights organisations, parliamentarians, trade unions and influential individuals, calling on the UK Government to create a central registry for companies' modern slavery statements.
Of the 25 million people estimated to be in modern slavery around the world today, 16 million are thought to be working within the private sector. It is therefore vital that businesses take action to eradicate this terrible abuse.
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act requires businesses with a turnover of £36 million or more to publish an annual statement explaining what, if anything, they are doing to address slavery and trafficking within their business and supply chains. Whilst some businesses are showing leadership, compliance with the requirement has been patchy. It is time for this to change. A central registry is key to achieving this.
