What is the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015?
The UK Modern Slavery Act, passed in 2015, was a landmark piece of legislation designed to combat the evolving threat of modern slavery. You can learn more about modern slavery here. It was the first of its kind in Europe and one of the first globally, focusing on addressing slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation in the modern day. The Act introduced stringent legal measures to prosecute traffickers and protect victims while also establishing requirements for businesses to prevent exploitation in their operations and supply chains.
The Need for the Modern Slavery Act
The growing realisation that modern slavery affects tens of millions globally – with an estimated 136,000 people living in slavery in the UK alone – led to a strong push for legislative action from then Prime Minister Theresa May. The Modern Slavery Act was designed to increase accountability, prevent exploitation, and strengthen the UK’s legal responses.
Key Provisions of the Act
The growing realisation that modern slavery affects tens of millions globally – with an estimated 136,000 people living in slavery in the UK alone – led to a strong push for legislative action from then Prime Minister Theresa May. The Modern Slavery Act was designed to increase accountability, prevent exploitation, and strengthen the UK’s legal responses.
- Tougher Legal Ramifications The Act significantly increased penalties for those found guilty of slavery and human trafficking offences. Convicted individuals can now face life imprisonment, and law enforcement agencies are empowered with broader investigative and enforcement powers.
- Protection for Victims It introduced mechanisms to protect and support victims of slavery, such as providing access to legal aid, compensation, and victim support services, recognising that modern slavery victims require comprehensive and ongoing support to recover.
- Business Compliance Requirements One of the Modern Slavery Act’s most significant aspects is its impact on large businesses. Companies operating in the UK with an annual turnover of £36 million or more are required to produce and publish a slavery and human trafficking statement each financial year.
Section 54: Transparency in Supply Chains
Section 54 of the Act focuses on ensuring transparency and accountability from large businesses. Companies with turnover of £36 million or more per year must assess the risk of modern slavery in their supply chains and take steps to prevent it. The annual Modern Slavery statement businesses produce must include information such as:
- The company’s structure and its supply chains
- Policies in place regarding slavery and human trafficking
- Due diligence processes to identify and mitigate the risk of slavery
- Areas where there is a higher risk of modern slavery within the business and supply chain
- Steps taken to assess and manage these risks
- Effectiveness measures using performance indicators
- Training provided to staff on modern slavery issues
Failure to produce or publish this statement can result in injunction proceedings brought by the Secretary of State. However, a significant criticism of UK modern slavery legislation is that this has never happened.
“This isn’t just about growing our global footprint. It’s about being where our clients need us most , closer to supply chains, closer to impact.”
Leon Reed
Founder & CEO
How Can Verisio Help?
At Verisio, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. From conducting thorough supply chain audits to developing tailored due diligence processes, our expert team ensures your business not only complies with the legal requirements but also takes proactive steps to combat modern slavery. With our support, your business can enhance transparency, minimise risk, and demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical practices. Contact us here to find out more.
