Lord Hanson of Flint, the Home Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL2046):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool :
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent BBC documentary, “Slavery on the High Street”, which highlighted the plight of victims forced into modern slavery in a Cambridgeshire McDonald’s restaurant and in a London bakery supplying leading supermarkets, and how those exploiting them pocketed their wages. (HL2046)
Tabled on: 28 October 2024
Answer:
Lord Hanson of Flint:
This government is deeply concerned about the rise in forced labour cases in the UK.
We are committed to tackling modern slavery, ensuring that victims are provided with the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives and that those responsible are prosecuted and brought to justice.
It is crucial that businesses play their part in addressing modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains. Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 established a requirement for businesses to report on how they are tackling modern slavery in their organisation and supply chains. It is more important than ever for businesses to step up and take responsibility for conditions in their operations and supply chains. I expect businesses in the UK to be world leaders in this regard.
The Home Office is currently working with a wide group of stakeholders from business, academia and civil society to update the Section 54 statutory guidance. This will further support businesses to produce high quality statements, which are underpinned by effective measures to prevent and effectively respond to instances of modern slavery in supply chains.
Date and time of answer: 11 Nov 2024 at 15:21.
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Lord Hanson of Flint, the Home Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL2047):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool :
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Centre for Social Justice and Justice report, At what cost? Exploring the impact of forced labour in the UK; and how they intend to (1) address its four central findings, and (2) respond to its recommendations. (HL2047)
Tabled on: 28 October 2024
Answer:
Lord Hanson of Flint:
The Government welcomes the Centre for Social Justice report, which provides valuable insights and recommendations on improving the UK’s response to forced labour. We remain committed to strengthening our response to modern slavery and are working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to tackle forced labour in the UK.
The Government is establishing the Fair Work Agency (FWA), a single enforcement body dedicated to ensuring compliance and protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation. The FWA will provide a single point of contact for reporting labour exploitation and related concerns, allowing for a more coordinated and comprehensive response to exploitation and abuse. The FWA will be adequately resourced, with powers to proactively investigate and enforce compliance with labour laws.
Date and time of answer: 11 Nov 2024 at 15:21.
