ABA has joined the Norfolk Anti-Slavery Network! We’ve joined the Norfolk Anti-Slavery Network (NASN)’s Business Group. The group is led by the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office under the ‘hidden victims’ fund. The business group, which ABA are a part of, exists to raise awareness of modern slavery and share best practice for how to identify, tackle and prevent modern slavery in Norfolk. There are four types of modern slavery: Forced labour When victims are controlled in where and how they work, with the money being taken by another Bonded labour When victims are forced to take on some kind of debt which restricts their ability to leave a workplace Child labour Children who are forced to work Human trafficking The forced movement of people from one location to another There are an estimated 49.6 million people in modern slavery across the world. High risk areas include agriculture, mining for precious metals and textiles. It’s easy to assume that slavery is a problem for further down the tiers of our supply chain, but it happens here in the UK, too. In 2023, there were 17,004 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office. Of these, 25% were British nationals and 76% were male. In Norfolk, 269 victims were identified between July 2022 and June 2023 and half of the victims were young people. Procurement professionals are in a really important place in our organisation because we have a view of our whole supply chain and make real changes to try and reduce the world’s dependence on modern slavery. The objectives of the NASN are to:
- Identify, support, protect and empower victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Support agencies, the business community and local organisations who are tackling MSHT (modern slavery and human trafficking) by ensuring the right skills, knowledge and processes are in place.
- Promote collaboration and joint working amongst partner organisations and community-based agencies.
- Increase reporting of suspected MSHT.
- Raise awareness of MSHT within the communities of Norfolk
Some signs of modern slavery include:
- Being reluctant to interact with others
- Appearing frightened or withdrawn
- Working excessively long hours
- Fear of authorities
- Limited opportunities to move freely
- Wearing the same clothes all the time
In the CIPS course, Procurement professionals are also pointed towards international bodies who are working to reduce modern slavery across the globe. One of these is the International Labour Organisation, which is an arm of the UN devoted to promoting social justice and human rights. It brings together governments, employers and workers and recognises that no single organisation can stop exploitation. Many British businesses with global supply chains are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. These include Sainsburys, Primark, M&S and TfL. You will come across the ETI Base Code in your CIPS studies, which has nine principles, including:
- Freedom of association (trade unions)
- Safe working conditions
- Paying a living wage
Closer to home, we’re looking for other businesses in Norfolk who would like to join the business group. In particular, if you operate in high risk industries such as agriculture and food production. Get in touch with ABA Procurement who can pass you on to the right people or contact NASN directly through their website. If you are worried about a potential victim of modern slavery and they are in immediate danger, always call 999 and speak to the police. Other useful contacts include: Modern Slavery Helpline (open 24/7) 08000 121700 GLAA – Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority Tel: 0800 432 0804 EAS – Employment Agency Standards Tel: 020 7215 4477 Email: [email protected] ABA Procurement website here: www.abaprocurement.com