Anti-Slavery Day
Today, is Anti-Slavery Day, a day in which organisations and members of the public come together to raise awareness of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. Our values of working safely, ethically and complying with the law mean we a take zero tolerance stance on Modern Slavery.
Modern Slavery comprises slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. Often victims are coerced into slavery through threats, use of force, deception or abuse of power. They may appear to give consent, but in reality, are unable to leave the grip of their gang masters.
Modern Slavery has been highlighted as of particular risk to the Waste Sector and you may have seen some of the articles in Materials Recycling World:
- More than two-thirds of victims of Modern Slavery in the UK are made to work in a recycling or waste facility during their time in exploitation (read more here).
- In July 2019 the UK’s largest discovered Modern Slavery ring was dismantled with over 300 victims with many having been forced to work in recycling facilities (read more here).
Modern Slavery is a heinous crime and we would like you to collaborate with us in our stand against Modern Slavery by making yourself aware of what it is, how to identify it, and how to report it.…. Please read on.
What is Modern Slavery?
- Modern Slavery comprises slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking and there are an estimated 40 million people in slavery globally.
- Victims used or exploited for someone else’s (usually financial) gain.
- Often victims of coercion involving threats, use of force, deception, or abuse of power:
- Coercers find out personal information about the victim to make threats, manipulate and control them.
- Use a victim’s fears over their immigration status to control them.
- Deceive the victims with false promises of a job.
- Victims appear to give consent, but in reality, are unable to leave their situation.
What are the indicators of Modern Slavery?
Although Modern Slavery is not an issue which applies to our workforce, it may still be something which our teams may encounter on site from third party organisations, such as delivery workers, agency staff, tradesmen, construction workers, and any other worker from a third-party organisation.
Below we have listed some indicators of Modern Slavery that you should be aware of:
- False job promises
- Very long shifts with little or no pay
- No contract/ payslip
- Money controlled by someone else
- Money owed to someone else
- Transported to and from work
- Travel to UK paid and organised by someone else
- Isolated from others
- In fear of someone
- Has received threats to the person or their family
- Signs of abuse/ mistreatment
- Unknown address
- Living with many people in bad conditions
- No ID or ID taken by someone else
How do I report a suspected incident of Modern Slavery?
Any suspected instances of Modern Slavery should be reported to our Integrity Management Team. Reports can be made 24/7 and are handled completely confidentially. You can also make a report anonymously. You can contact our Integrity Management team via: integrityreport@renewi.com or via 00800-42154216.
What is the Modern Slavery Act?
A key driver for the prevention of MS has been the MS Act 2015. Section 54 of the act requires businesses to make an annual statement explaining the steps taken to ensure that Modern Slavery is not taking place in their own operations and supply chains. Renewi is an international organisation with operations and supply chains extending far beyond the UK, and even though the MS Act is a UK law, Renewi can still be held to account for activities outside of the UK.
You will find our Modern Slavery Statement here and may want to familiarise yourself in some of the preventative steps we have taken and will be taking in the future.
More information
Other useful resources:
https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/
https://hopeforjustice.org/
https://www.antislavery.org/
https://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/