Government proposes changes to S54 Transparency in Supply Chains Statements
25 September: Significant changes have been proposed in response to the transparency in supply chains consultation
Modern slavery
It is estimated that in 2019 there were 40 million people in the world living in conditions of slavery or working under forced or compulsory conditions. In the UK there were over 5,000 cases reported and an estimated 136,000 victims.
Watch the video to find out moreLatest updates
Government delays modern slavery statement publication
28 May 2020: the Home Office has confirmed that organisations can delay publication of their modern slavery statements by up to six months, but they will need to explain why.
Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
Reporting in May 2019, the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act looked into the operations and effectiveness of the Act and suggested potential improvements.
What is modern slavery and why does it matter?
Modern slavery is a serious and often hidden crime in which people are exploited for criminal gain. Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour. The UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 defines modern slavery which includes servitude and forced and compulsory labour, existing when a person is ‘held’ or ‘forced’ against their will by another person who knows or ought to know that the other person is being held in slavery or servitude or forced to perform compulsory labour.
Chartered Accountants are in a unique position to effect real and permanent change. Here you will find practical guidance, webinars and other resources, brought to you by the Business and Management Faculty and Business Law Department, related to modern slavery, how to spot it and how to report it.
Watch this short video which explains why it matters.
Recent articles on modern slavery
ICAEW urges members to be aware of mini-umbrella companies
HMRC has issued new guidance on the fraudulent activities of so-called ‘mini-umbrella companies’ sometimes created to avoid paying tax and national insurance. ICAEW’s Tax Faculty calls on members to ensure they are informed.
Ending Modern Slavery: why accountants have a role to play
The scourge of modern slavery has risen steadily up the public agenda in recent years and it is incumbent on ICAEW members to be vigilant about it, writes ICAEW CEO Michael Izza.
Why we can no longer ignore modern slavery and how ICAEW can help
5 February 2021: Increasingly it is not enough to claim ignorance of modern slavery in a business or supply chain. Doing so may prove very costly to your reputation and your bottom line.
COVID-19 and the fashion industry: a catalyst for change?
8 October 2020: Revelations about poor working conditions in small UK clothing factories may not have proved to be modern slavery, but certainly acted as a wake-up call. Can this also prove a catalyst for change?
Why COVID-19 is an opportunity to reduce modern slavery
26 June 2020: The pandemic increases the risk of modern slavery practices across supply chains, but it could be a chance to do more to eliminate it.
Why slavery legislation should follow The Bribery Act
25 June 2020: Would following the lead of the UK's Bribery Act 2010 help to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking?
How the world fights modern slavery
25 June 2020: The different legislative approaches employed around the world to eradicate modern slavery.
UK modern slavery reporting: a missed opportunity?
25 June 2020: With the COVID-19 pandemic potentially increasing the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking, now is the time to strengthen requirements.
Webinars
Forthcoming webinars
| Date | Webinar title | Accessibility and cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2021 | From Asos to Arcadia: how do boards stay on top of trends? Find out how boards have coped with immense change and explores why some business struggle in disruption while others emerge successful. |
Free to Business and Management Faculty members and subscribers and certain ICAEW communities | Book now |
| TBC | Modern slavery: when things go wrong – a case study | Details to follow | Coming soon |
| TBC | Modern slavery: is it hiding in your supply chain? | Details to follow | Coming soon |
On-demand webinars
| Date recorded | Webinar title | Accessibility and cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 September 2021 |
Modern Slavery Act 2015 - how to spot supply chain risk |
Free to ICAEW Members and non members | Watch now |
| 17 March 2021 |
Modern slavery: how to prepare a s54 statement – a case study Pentland Brands explains its approach to preparing a section 54 statement, including how it has evolved over the years and the challenges faced. |
Free to Business and Management Faculty members and subscribers | Watch now |
| 1 December 2020 | 5144 reasons you should take the Modern Slavery Act seriously This webinar from the Business and Management Faculty will provide background on the Act itself, international context and potential developments. |
Free to Business and Management Faculty members and subscribers and certain ICAEW communities | Watch now |
| 20 October 2020 | Supply chain assurance in the retail sector Join this webinar to hear Abigail Harper take you through a risk-based approach to providing supply chain assurance within the retail sector. |
Free to Business and Management Faculty members and subscribers | Watch now |
Useful links
- Modern slavery training resource guide - Home Office guide that contains examples of training products available to public sector professionals and other individuals that might come across victims.
- Slavery and human trafficking in supply chains: guidance for businesses - Home Office guidance for organisations on how to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in their business or supply chains.
- 2020 Annual Report on Modern Slavery - The Government's annual report on the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.
- Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking - International Labour Organisation's review of modern slavery across the world.
- Modern Slavery Act - The legislation in full.
- ICAEW's Modern Slavery Statement - Read ICAEW’s own public commitment to working towards ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business.