Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Deferred
Paragraph: 75
Strengthen Modern Slavery Act Section 54 using sanctions and extend to public sector.
Conclusion
Section 54 (publishing a transparency statement) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 must be strengthened by utilising sanctions for non-compliance. This should also be extended to the public sector, to reduce the risk of the UK purchasing goods produced using forced labour.
Government Response Summary
The government's response refers to the process for appointing the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and states that the Home Office keeps appointments under review, completely deflecting from the recommendation to strengthen Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 with sanctions and extend it to the public sector.
Paragraph Reference:
75
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
21. As set out in the Modern Slavery Act 2015 the Home Secretary must appoint a person to the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC). The process to add roles to the pre-appointment scrutiny list is owned by the Cabinet Office. The Home Office continues to keep all appointments under review.