Introduction
1.1 Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common depriving an individual of their freedom for personal or commercial gain by a third party. Mabey Hire is committed to supporting the eradication of modern slavery and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.
1.2 We are also committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners, and as part of our contracting processes, we include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children, and we expect that our contractors, suppliers and business partners will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
2 Purpose and scope
2.1 This policy outlines out Mabey Hire’s commitment to supporting the eradication of modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation. We will ensure that it is brought to the attention of all of their staff and, where appropriate, to our suppliers, contractors and business partners.
2.2 This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment. It may be amended at any time and we may depart from it depending on the circumstances of any case. This policy applies to all individuals working for the Company, including but not limited to officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants, contractors, trainees, interns, placement students, homeworkers, part-time and fixed-term employees, casual and agency staff and volunteers (collectively referred to as staff in this policy).
2.3 Any third parties who have access to our systems are also required to comply with this policy.
3 Breaches of this policy
3.1 We take a strict approach to breaches of this policy, which will be dealt with in
accordance with Mabey Hire’s disciplinary policy and procedure. Serious breaches
may amount to gross misconduct resulting in dismissal. If appropriate, information
may be handed to the police in connection with a criminal investigation.
3.2 We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organisations working
on our behalf if they breach this policy.
4 Roles and responsibilities
4.1 The Board of Directors of Mabey Hire Limited have overall responsibility for ensuring
this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our
control comply with it.
4.2 The Business Ethics Committee has primary and day-to-day responsibility for
implementing this policy, monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing with any
queries about it, and auditing internal control systems and procedures to ensure they
are effective in countering modern slavery.
4.3 Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them
understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training
on it and the issue of modern slavery in supply chains.
4.4 You are invited to comment on this policy and suggest ways in which it might be
improved. Comments, suggestions and queries are encouraged and should be
addressed to your line manager.
5 Compliance with this policy
5.1 You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy.
5.2 The prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business
or supply chains is the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control.
You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this
policy.
5.3 You must notify your manager as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a
conflict with this policy has occurred or may occur in the future.
5.4 You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery
in any parts of our business or supply chains of any supplier tier at the earliest possible
stage.
5.5 If you believe or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred or that it may occur, you
must notify your manager as soon as possible. You should note that where appropriate,
and with the welfare and safety of local workers as a priority, we will give support and
guidance to our suppliers to help them address coercive, abusive, and exploitative work
practices in their own business and supply chains.
5.6 If you are unsure about whether a particular act, the treatment of workers more
generally, or their working conditions within any tier of our supply chains contravenes
this policy, raise it with your manager.
5.7 We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats, or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform the compliance manager immediately. If the matter is not remedied, and you are an employee, you should raise it formally using our Grievance Procedure.
6 Communication awareness and training
6.1 Training on this policy, and on the risk our business faces from modern slavery in its supply chains, forms part of the induction process for all individuals who work for us, and regular training will be provided as necessary.
6.2 Senior management are responsible for ensuring that all staff receive the appropriate level of training.
6.3 Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors, and business partners as appropriate at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.
For and on behalf of Mabey Hire Limited
David Adams
Chief Executive Officer
Date: 01st November 2023
