UK Knowledge Collection | Labour risk in supply chains, and internal investigations

The regulatory spotlight has recently intensified on forced labour in supply chains in both the EU and the UK. The EU's Forced Labour Regulation is now in force. It aims to eradicate forced labour from products within the EU market and applies to all companies doing a minimum level of business there. UK companies can be affected both directly (if they place or make available products in the EU) or indirectly (through doing business with EU corporate customers). The regulation will come into full effect from 14 December 2027, meaning that companies should take action now to ensure they can demonstrate compliance.

In the UK, the Home Office has updated its statutory guidance on transparency in supply chains under the Modern Slavery Act, setting out how businesses should comply with the "spirit" of the law. Our Insight looks in detail at the increasing focus on this issue, and how businesses can mitigate their risk, and our ESG Knowledge Update covers this and other important international developments.

Risk in labour supply chains with regard to the use of contingent workers is also a concern for business in the UK, as rules tighten on zero-hours agency workers and HMRC looks to increase its tax enforcement. This topic features in our popular Eating Compliance for Breakfast webinar series, which returns later this month. Other sessions include the  impact of the government's growth agenda on CMA enforcement activity, the Employment Rights Bill and action for employers to take now (see also our Insight on changes coming into force this month), and the rise of private enforcement and group litigation.

In the wake of the Post Office scandal, the SRA issued guidance for in-house lawyers and regulated firms on understanding and managing the risks associated with leading internal investigations. This was in response to requests from lawyers for more information and support around the conduct of investigations, including with regard to privilege and the duty to remain independent.

Recent Insights

SRA publishes guidance on internal investigations for in-house lawyers

The guidance on the regulatory risks associated with conducting an internal investigation is part of a wider suite of materials that the regulator is publishing to support in-house counsel. 
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UK Spring Statement 2025: chancellor's raft of tax measures signal ramping up of compliance activity

Taxpayers can expect to see HMRC taking a more aggressive stance in its investigations as the government tries to close the "tax gap": the difference between the amount of tax that should be paid to HMRC and what is actually paid.
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UK companies need to be aware of the incoming EU Forced Labour Regulation

Eradicating forced labour in supply chains will become a condition of entry for EU markets now the Forced Labour Regulation is in force.
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ESG Knowledge Update: March 2025

Our monthly update offers a round-up of ESG legal, regulatory and market news from the UK, EU and internationally.
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UK Employment Law Coffee Break

This edition includes employment law changes coming into force in April and an Employment Appeal Tribunal decision on anonymity in tribunal proceedings.
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Robotics at a global regulatory crossroads: compliance challenges for autonomous systems

Manufacturers and developers face extensive new compliance obligations across overlapping regulatory regimes. However, successful compliance can offer strategic advantages.
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22 April | 16:00-16:30

Recent data protection developments affecting the world of advertising and marketing.
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Life Sciences Academy | The new Trump administration and its impact on the life science industry

22 April | 16:00-16:30

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Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Government growth agenda: implications for CMA enforcement activity

29 April | 09:00-09:30

As part of its growth agenda, the government has published an action plan to reform the regulatory landscape, including a "new Growth-focused Strategic Steer" for the CMA. What might be the impact of the planned changes on the competition regulator's approach to enforcement?
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Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Impact of new regimes for using staffing companies, zero hours agency workers and umbrella workers

6 May | 09:00-09:30

A look at how businesses can minimise cost and risk in relation to government reforms on guaranteed hours and umbrella company non-compliance.
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