Modern slavery | UK Regulatory Outlook April 2023

Study finds only 29% of businesses submitted modern slavery statements in 2022

According to a recent study carried out by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), in 2022 only 29% of eligible organisations required to produce a modern slavery statement submitted it to the UK government registry.

The CIPS has said that supply chain pressures, such as rising inflation, could be one of the reasons as to why businesses are not as focused as they should be on prioritising modern slavery initiatives.

Dame Sara Thornton, former independent anti-slavery commissioner said: "Momentum appears to be fading, as is the government’s position as a leader in tackling modern slavery. While we wait for new modern slavery legislation and a new independent anti-slavery commissioner, too many instances of exploitation, abuse and harm will be allowed to continue unseen. That is where our real failure lies."

The outcome of this study provides a timely reminder to those businesses who fall within the scope of section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 that annual statements must be submitted (see our Insight for what needs to be included in these statements). While we continue to wait upon the changes to the corporate reporting framework for modern slavery, businesses should also be aware of developments in the EU, and how that may impact them (directly and indirectly). 

PPN on tackling modern slavery comes into force

Please see Regulated procurement.