This policy applies to Brandline employees at all levels and also applies to persons working both for and on behalf of Brandline. This policy does not form part of an employee’s contract of employment and it may be amended at any time.
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of basic human rights. It can take various forms such as servitude, forced and compulsory labour, human trafficking, and slavery itself, all of which deprive an individual of their liberty for the purposes of personal and/or commercial gain.
Brandline exercises a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. In all the company’s dealings and professional relationships it is committed to acting both ethically and with integrity whilst enforcing appropriate systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not take place anywhere within our own business or within the businesses of our suppliers.
Consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Salvery Act 2015, the company is committed to ensuring there is transparency in our business and in our approach to tackling the issue of modern slavery and we expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners,
Responsibility for the Policy
Brandline has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with the company’s legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it.
Brandline exercises both primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy, monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing with any associated queries and auditing internal control systems and procedures to ensure they are effective in countering modern slavery.
Management is 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.
Compliance with the Policy
It is essential that all those dealing with Brandline read, understand and comply with this policy.
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.
Those dealing with Brandline are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
If there is a suspicion of modern slavery or an associated issue identified within the business, anyone dealing with Brandline should raise their concern at the earliest possible opportunity.
In the event that there is a belief that a breach of this policy is suspected, has occurred or may occur, Brandline management must be notified immediately. Where appropriate, support and guidance will be provided to address any coercive, potentially abusive or exploitative work practices identified.
If there is any doubt as to whether a particular act or, treatment of workers (including working environment) constitutes any of the various forms of modern slavery, it must be raised with a member of Brandline management at the earliest possible opportunity.
Brandline management aims to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises a genuine concern, even if it transpires the concern is unfounded. Management is committed to ensuring there is no 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 within the business of a supplier or contractor.
Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. In the event that a Brandline employee believes they have suffered such treatment, their Line Manager should be informed immediately. If the matter is not remedied, an employee can raise a formal grievance using our Grievance Procedure as contained within the current Employee Handbook.
Communication and Awareness of this Policy
Training on this policy, and on the risk our business faces from modern slavery forms part of the induction process for all individuals who are employed by Brandline and updates will be provided using established methods of communication between the business and employees.
Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.
Breaches of this Policy
Any Brandline employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct. In the event that businesses working with and on behalf of Brandline breach this policy, the relationship may be terminated.
