Modern Slavery

More than a third of UK businesses are flouting their responsibilities to combat modern slavery, new data shows, amid mounting concerns that there are far more slavery victims in Britain than previously thought. Only 6 per cent of supply chain managers under the Act’s remit are absolutely certain there is no slavery in their supply chain. Only 45% of organisations have provided any training to their staff to help them spot modern slavery.

A survey by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) shows that 34% of organisations are failing to outline the actions they are taking to combat slavery in their supply chains, while almost four in 10 (37 %) of supply chain managers admit to not having read the government guidance on modern slavery. The failings amount to a breach in the companies’ requirements under the Modern Slavery Act, and have prompted calls for stricter policies and harsher punishments for organisations that don’t comply.


One in 10 UK businesses found evidence of modern slavery in their supply chains – marking a rise of 6% since the Act came into force in 2015. The Modern Slavery Act requires all businesses that operate within the UK and with a turnover of more than £36m to produce a yearly statement outlining the actions they have taken to combat slavery in their supply chains. Currently, there are no punitive consequences for non-compliance. 



Figures from the National Crime Agency (NCA) showing that there are 300 live modern slavery police operations currently in progress.