Leading UK Businesses Failed to Spot Modern Slavery Signs

The issue of modern slavery has once again been in the spotlight.

The BBC has published an article revealing that signs of modern slavery at a McDonald’s branch and a factory supplying bread products to major supermarkets, went unnoticed for years.

A gang forced 16 victims to work at either the fast-food restaurant or the factory, which supplied Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. The article highlights that well-established signs of modern slavery were missed while the victims were exploited over four years. These included:

• Paying the wages of four men into one account and others into accounts not held into their own names. 
• Nine of the workers living at the same address. 
• Many working excessive hours. 

The article highlights the growing scale of this global crisis and the need for businesses to have robust practices and policies to protect their workforce and supply chain.

As a recruitment leader, Meridian is deeply committed to tackling modern slavery and believes in upholding the highest standards of ethical practice across our operations and supply chain. This commitment not only helps us safeguard the rights and wellbeing of our workers, but directly benefits our clients by providing them with a secure, responsible and compliant partnership.

You can learn more about how we take a stand here.

Meridian's Head of Quality and Risk Management, Jayne Hambling, commented:

"At Meridian, we understand the complexities businesses face in maintaining ethical supply chains, but believe no company should overlook the potential risks of exploitation.

Through our Stronger Together and Responsible Recruitment Toolkit Business Partner status and REC membership, we are dedicated to taking real steps and providing actionable insights to help businesses safeguard against modern slavery, working together to raise awareness and continuously improve the management of modern slavery risks.

By working closely with our partners, and constantly monitoring for the signs that were missed in this case, we ensure that human rights are upheld at every level, creating a secure and responsible environment for all."

If you’re interested in learning more, including how Meridian can support your business with robust anti-slavery practices, please get in touch.