Source · Select Committees · Human Rights (Joint Committee)
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
HC 633
Published 24 July 2025
Recommendations
2
Deferred
There is currently a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to addressing forced labour using domestic...
Recommendation
There is currently a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to addressing forced labour using domestic policy. This does not prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK, nor provide clarity for businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 31) New legislation …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is actively considering legislative vehicles to strengthen the Modern Slavery Act and will continue to consider ways to enhance the Section 54 regime, but does not commit to introducing new legislation with all specified provisions within one year.
Ministry of Justice
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4
Accepted
The Government should consider how it can provide visible leadership and coordination on the issue...
Recommendation
The Government should consider how it can provide visible leadership and coordination on the issue of forced labour in supply chains within government. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35) 76
Government Response Summary
The government states that departments like the Home Office, DBT, FCDO, and Cabinet Office already work closely, outlining their respective responsibilities and existing initiatives like the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the new Office for Responsible Business Conduct, to provide leadership and coordination.
Ministry of Justice
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7
Deferred
Government should strengthen the reporting duty under s.54 by establishing effective accountability mechanisms for non-compliance.
Recommendation
Government should strengthen the reporting duty under s.54 by establishing effective accountability mechanisms for non-compliance. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
Government Response Summary
The government states that its Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review will consider approaches taken by trading partners and how to promote a coordinated approach, deferring specific action on strengthening reporting duties and accountability mechanisms.
Ministry of Justice
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8
Not Addressed
Government should remove s.54(4)(b) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which enables companies to comply...
Recommendation
Government should remove s.54(4)(b) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which enables companies to comply by reporting that no action has been taken. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the RBC review and the Small Business Plan, focusing on reducing administrative costs for businesses, and then addresses different recommendations (13 and 14), failing to engage with the specific request to remove s.54(4)(b) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Ministry of Justice
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9
Deferred
Government should extend the TISC reporting duty to public organisations.
Recommendation
Government should extend the TISC reporting duty to public organisations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
Government Response Summary
The government states it will consider extending the Section 54 reporting duty (Modern Slavery Act) to public bodies as part of the Responsible Business Conduct Review and active consideration of legislative vehicles to strengthen the Act.
Ministry of Justice
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10
Deferred
The UK’s current approach of relying on voluntary implementation of due diligence is not effectively...
Recommendation
The UK’s current approach of relying on voluntary implementation of due diligence is not effectively tackling forced labour in supply chains. Implementing mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for companies would level the playing field and be welcomed by many …
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Government Response Summary
The government is deferring action on mandatory human rights due diligence by launching a review and carrying out a National Baseline Assessment, which will inform future policy consideration. They have also established the Office for Responsible Business Conduct.
Ministry of Justice
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11
Accepted
In developing its own mandatory human rights due diligence, the UK should be mindful of...
Recommendation
In developing its own mandatory human rights due diligence, the UK should be mindful of the outcome of the CSDDD process in the EU, in order to ensure that businesses which operate in both the UK and EU are not …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review will have due regard to EU approaches and that it is in regular contact with the European Commission on this issue.
Ministry of Justice
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12
Deferred
SMEs should be subject to lighter mHRDD requirements than larger companies, which should be proportional...
Recommendation
SMEs should be subject to lighter mHRDD requirements than larger companies, which should be proportional and risk-based to manage the specific risks of forced labour in their supply chains. Policymakers should support SMEs with guidance, tools and resources to help …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is actively reviewing the effectiveness of existing UK measures, including as part of the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review, and considering various approaches to tackle forced labour in supply chains, which would include implications for SMEs.
Ministry of Justice
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15
Not Addressed
The Government’s newly announced Supply Chain Centre should support companies to conduct effective HRDD by...
Recommendation
The Government’s newly announced Supply Chain Centre should support companies to conduct effective HRDD by providing a single point of access to verified information, guidance and resources. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100)
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the rebuttable presumption model for import bans, the need for coordination in tackling forced labour, and trade agreements, but does not address the recommendation regarding the Supply Chain Centre providing HRDD support.
Ministry of Justice
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18
Not Addressed
Government should establish effective regulatory arrangements to ensure compliance with the new rules for mHRDD,...
Recommendation
Government should establish effective regulatory arrangements to ensure compliance with the new rules for mHRDD, including penalties for non-compliance that are proportional to company turn over. (Recommendation, Paragraph 107)
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses various tools and mechanisms related to preventing forced labour in trade agreements, but does not address the recommendation to establish effective regulatory arrangements and proportional penalties for new mandatory human rights due diligence rules.
Ministry of Justice
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19
Not Addressed
This regulatory function could be led either by the Office for Responsible Business Conduct or...
Recommendation
This regulatory function could be led either by the Office for Responsible Business Conduct or the Supply Chain Centre. The chosen body must be effectively resourced to deliver these new duties. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108) Import bans and restrictions
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Government Response Summary
The government response discusses general challenges of identifying forced labour and existing trade agreement provisions, but does not address which body will lead the specified regulatory function or how it will be resourced.
Ministry of Justice
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22
Not Addressed
The Government should introduce an import ban to prevent goods produced using forced labour from...
Recommendation
The Government should introduce an import ban to prevent goods produced using forced labour from entering the UK market. This should establish: (i) how the risk of forced labour in supply chains will be identified; (ii) who is responsible for …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response details how the Procurement Act allows public sector contracting authorities to exclude and terminate contracts with suppliers using forced labour, which does not address the recommendation for a general import ban on goods produced by forced labour.
Ministry of Justice
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24
Not Addressed
The import ban recommended above must clarify that no company which uses or allows state-imposed...
Recommendation
The import ban recommended above must clarify that no company which uses or allows state-imposed forced labour in its supply chains can import goods to the UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 137)
Government Response Summary
The government response focuses on strengthening procurement rules for public sector bodies, particularly Great British Energy, to address forced labour in supply chains, rather than directly clarifying the scope of an import ban as recommended.
Ministry of Justice
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27
Not Addressed
In taking steps to enable Border Force officers to find illicit consignments, the Government should...
Recommendation
In taking steps to enable Border Force officers to find illicit consignments, the Government should ensure they are enabled to search out consignments of goods linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 148)
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not directly address empowering Border Force officers to search out consignments of goods linked to forced labour, instead providing a general statement about ongoing cross-government work and a Responsible Business Conduct review.
Ministry of Justice
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28
Not Addressed
To aid enforcement, the UK’s import ban should include a rebuttable presumption that goods linked...
Recommendation
To aid enforcement, the UK’s import ban should include a rebuttable presumption that goods linked to regions where the UK Government considers state-imposed forced labour is imposed are linked to forced labour until proven otherwise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 155)
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Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the complexity of the solar supply chain and is working with stakeholders and monitoring the Solar Stewardship Initiative, but does not address the specific recommendation to include a rebuttable presumption in an import ban.
Ministry of Justice
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29
Deferred
The UK’s import ban should establish or designate a responsible body to oversee the implementation...
Recommendation
The UK’s import ban should establish or designate a responsible body to oversee the implementation of the import ban by facilitating data sharing and co-ordinating activity between different law enforcement agencies. Such a body must be provided with adequate powers …
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Government Response Summary
The government states a Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review will consider measures, and notes the establishment of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct (ORBC) for non-judicial dispute resolution, but does not commit to establishing a specific body for overseeing an import ban or coordinating law enforcement.
Ministry of Justice
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31
Deferred
The NCA and Border Force should use the existing powers under POCA to prevent goods...
Recommendation
The NCA and Border Force should use the existing powers under POCA to prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK and to seize assets linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 179) Free Trade Agreements
Government Response Summary
The government redirected the recommendation, stating it cannot direct how the existing POCA powers are used by law enforcement agencies, and that operational decisions are a matter for the National Crime Agency.
Ministry of Justice
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35
Accepted
The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in...
Recommendation
The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in future trade deals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 201)
Government Response Summary
The government states it already pursues the inclusion of forced labour provisions in FTAs, citing examples like those with Australia, New Zealand, CPTPP, and India. They affirm that FTAs are one of several tools used to address forced labour.
Ministry of Justice
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36
Accepted
The UK should carry out effective impact assessments before entering trade negotiations with other nations.
Recommendation
The UK should carry out effective impact assessments before entering trade negotiations with other nations. These assessments should include analysis of how enhanced trading arrangements with the UK will impact the use of forced labour in the contracting state, and …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that prior to entering trade negotiations, it carries out scoping assessments that provide a qualitative assessment of trading partners' adherence to ILO conventions. It adds that it works with trading partners to address forced labour through commitments in the labour chapter of trade agreements.
Ministry of Justice
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37
Rejected
The UK should not enter trade agreements or negotiations with states that actively and knowingly...
Recommendation
The UK should not enter trade agreements or negotiations with states that actively and knowingly participate in gross violations of human rights, such as state-imposed forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 205)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that secure trading relationships increase influence and allow for more open discussions on human rights, and that concerns are raised directly with partner governments.
Ministry of Justice
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38
Accepted
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold...
Recommendation
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold labour rights and human rights in trade agreements are being met. If breaches are found, the UK should have a policy of using dispute resolution …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it already uses existing FTA implementation tools, formal sub-committees, and civil society forums to discuss and progress labour commitments with 14 partners. It also commits to using dispute settlement mechanisms where most appropriate.
Ministry of Justice
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43
Rejected
The Government should assess how frequently the new discretionary powers are being used across public...
Recommendation
The Government should assess how frequently the new discretionary powers are being used across public sector buyers by analysing the reports on excludable suppliers submitted to the Procurement Review Unit by Contracting Authorities. If it appears the discretionary powers are …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating it would not be appropriate to set a general baseline for how frequently discretionary powers should be used or to assess their frequency due to the case-by-case nature of exclusions by contracting authorities.
Ministry of Justice
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45
Accepted
The Government should review the actions of the Procurement Review Unit to assess if its...
Recommendation
The Government should review the actions of the Procurement Review Unit to assess if its investigations are taking account of all relevant evidence and are effectively informing the exclusion regime within 12 months of the enactment of the Procurement Act …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will consider all relevant evidence and plans to conduct regular reviews of its debarment investigation processes to capture and implement lessons learned.
Ministry of Justice
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47
Accepted
Great British Energy must inform the Committee 12 months after this report is published to...
Recommendation
Great British Energy must inform the Committee 12 months after this report is published to set out (i) how the objective on measures for ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in Great British Energy’s business or …
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Government Response Summary
The government states Great British Energy (GBE) has been directed via a Statement of Strategic Priorities to proactively tackle forced labour and become a sector leader in ethical supply chains, including developing and publishing a Strategic Plan, and has appointed a senior non-executive director and is recruiting a lead for ethical supply chains.
Ministry of Justice
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49
Acknowledged
The Critical Minerals Strategy should outline specific steps that the Government will take to address...
Recommendation
The Critical Minerals Strategy should outline specific steps that the Government will take to address the UK’s reliance on critical minerals which are sourced from regions with high risks of forced labour and child labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 243)
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating the new Critical Minerals Strategy, expected in 2025, will refine its approach to responsible and transparent supply chains.
Ministry of Justice
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51
Accepted
GBE and other public buyers must ensure that solar procurement decisions are made on the...
Recommendation
GBE and other public buyers must ensure that solar procurement decisions are made on the basis of independent assessments and not rely solely on the SSI to provide assurance of supply chains. (Recommendation, Paragraph 256)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, confirming that procurement decisions are not made solely on SSI assessments. It highlights existing legal frameworks and policies, and details Great British Energy's recruitment of a senior ethical supply chain lead to embed procurement standards.
Ministry of Justice
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52
Rejected
The Solar Roadmap does not provide practical steps to reduce the risks of forced labour...
Recommendation
The Solar Roadmap does not provide practical steps to reduce the risks of forced labour in solar supply chains and increase the diversity of supply to the UK market as suggested by Ministers. (Conclusion, Paragraph 257) The Government should evaluate …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that providing broader recommendations on forced labour in supply chains was beyond the scope of the Solar Roadmap due to its cross-sector nature, and that work on this issue is continuing through the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review.
Ministry of Justice
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53
Accepted
The Government should urgently address the omissions in the Solar Roadmap in relation to global...
Recommendation
The Government should urgently address the omissions in the Solar Roadmap in relation to global supply chains and develop a viable strategy to address the risks of forced labour in the UK’s solar supply chain. In developing this strategy, government …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it is working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders as part of its Solar Roadmap commitment to develop and implement solutions for forced labour risks in the UK’s solar supply chain. It will also monitor the Solar Stewardship Initiative and use the Solar Council for dialogue and progress evaluation.
Ministry of Justice
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55
Deferred
The Government should implement the recommendation of the JCHR’s 2017 report.
Recommendation
The Government should implement the recommendation of the JCHR’s 2017 report. A civil cause of action of failure to prevent forced labour should be created, with the burden placed on the relevant corporation to prove that 82 they had adequate …
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Government Response Summary
The government deferred the recommendation, stating that the Responsible Business Conduct review will consider the effectiveness of the current regime and alternative measures, including the creation of a 'failure to prevent' obligation for forced labour.
Ministry of Justice
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57
Rejected
We recommend that the Government works with the IAS Commissioner and takes the necessary steps...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government works with the IAS Commissioner and takes the necessary steps - including financial - to facilitate the creation of a Survivor Advisory Council. (Recommendation, Paragraph 280) 83
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to create a Survivor Advisory Council, concluding it is not the most effective approach. Instead, they will strengthen collaboration with existing sector-led Lived Experience Advisory Panels.
Ministry of Justice
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Conclusions (27)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The evidence we heard demonstrates that goods produced by forced labour are being sold in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21)
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee's concern about forced labour goods and is actively exploring options to strengthen protections, including launching a review of responsible business conduct policy and leveraging existing procurement and clean energy sector initiatives.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
There is a lack of visible leadership and coordination within government on tackling forced labour in UK supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 34)
Government Response Summary
The government disputes the premise, stating that departments work closely together, identifying key departments and their roles, and highlighting existing structures like senior cross-Whitehall governance for the RBC Review and cross-government Ministerial meetings.
5
Conclusion
The Government’s China Audit has missed an opportunity by not publicly setting out an approach to addressing state-imposed forced labour in China. (Conclusion, Paragraph 42) Corporate responsibility: Transparency reporting and mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD)
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act is not effectively motivating companies to address forced labour in their supply chains. The Committee is pleased to see the Government are considering changes to strengthen the duty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issues with Section 54, highlighting its ongoing Responsible Business Conduct review and a National Baseline Assessment that will inform future approaches to strengthening supply chain protections, and the establishment of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct.
13
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Committee supports the Government’s decision to establish a body that could play a role in supporting businesses to address the risks of forced labour in their supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 98)
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not directly address the committee's conclusion supporting the establishment of a body to assist businesses with forced labour risks, instead providing a general statement on opposing forced labour and assessing means to address it.
14
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Verified supply chain and risk data and uniform supportive materials would be welcomed by business; having a single source of information would help to create consistency in practice across organisations and sectors. (Conclusion, Paragraph 99)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses import bans and then addresses different recommendations (JCHR Recommendation 15 and 16), failing to engage with the committee's conclusion regarding the benefits of verified supply chain data and uniform supportive materials for businesses.
16
Conclusion
Deferred
Regulatory oversight and accountability measures will be required to ensure compliance with the new due diligence requirements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that effective coordination is integral but states that decisions on specific oversight and enforcement measures will be made in light of ongoing policy development and resource considerations.
17
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Imposing penalties for non-compliance with mHRDD would make the risks of non-compliance clear to companies and provide a rationale for conforming which does not exist at present. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses POCA powers for law enforcement and then addresses a different recommendation entirely (JCHR Recommendation 18), failing to engage with the committee's conclusion about imposing penalties for non-compliance with mandatory human rights due diligence.
20
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The UK’s current approach to imports is inadequate to prevent goods linked to forced labour from entering the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 116)
Government Response Summary
The government response provides general statements about human rights and trade but does not specifically address the committee's conclusion regarding the inadequacy of the UK's current approach to preventing forced labour goods from entering the UK.
21
Conclusion
Accepted
Other key comparator markets such as the EU and USA have put in place import bans on goods linked to forced labour. The UK’s lack of equivalent legislation puts the UK at risk of becoming a dumping ground for goods that cannot be sold elsewhere. (Conclusion, Paragraph 125) 78
Government Response Summary
The government's response detailed existing tools such as Free Trade Agreements with labour provisions and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, as its approach to ensuring labour standards and preventing forced labour in supply chains.
23
Conclusion
Not Addressed
In cases of state-imposed forced labour, it is not possible to seek to use buyer leverage to improving working conditions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Government Response Summary
The government response describes the Procurement Review Unit's (PRU) processes for debarment investigations and its plans for regular review, but this does not address the committee's conclusion about the impossibility of buyer leverage in cases of state-imposed forced labour.
25
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Effective implementation of a forced labour import ban would require effective data sharing and co-ordination between multiple UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including HMRC, the NCA and Border Force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses critical minerals strategy, solar procurement, and access to justice for survivors, completely failing to address the committee's conclusion about the need for effective data sharing and coordination for a forced labour import ban.
26
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Committee was encouraged by the reference in the UK’s Trade Strategy to plans to modernise detection capabilities and use pre-arrival data to enhance the tools available to Border Force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 147)
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the Solar Stewardship Initiative, procurement decisions under the Procurement Act 2023, and a separate recommendation regarding a civil cause of action for failure to prevent forced labour, but does not address the committee's observation about modernising Border Force detection capabilities.
30
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The powers already available under POCA are being underused by law enforcement agencies in relation to goods linked to forced labour which occurs outside of the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 178)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses support for survivor voices and existing Lived Experience Advisory Panels, which does not address the committee's conclusion about the underuse of POCA powers by law enforcement.
32
Conclusion
Accepted
The EU’s systemic approach to including human rights clauses in its free trade agreements provides an example of how the UK’s approach to trade could be used to project British values abroad. (Conclusion, Paragraph 194)
Government Response Summary
The government responded by outlining its existing and ongoing efforts to include forced labour provisions in its Free Trade Agreements, citing examples with Australia, New Zealand, CPTPP, and India, and describing other mechanisms like the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
33
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK has not yet developed a uniform approach to embedding obligations to uphold human rights in its trade agreements, and it is unclear how the impacts of such clauses are assessed and evaluated when used. (Conclusion, Paragraph 199)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the role of FTAs in tackling forced labour and states it will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions, listing existing agreements. However, it does not explicitly address the points about a uniform approach or how impacts are assessed and evaluated.
34
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Ensuring clauses on human rights are included in trade agreements can demonstrate the UK’s values and principles in terms of forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 200)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that FTAs are an important tool for tackling forced labour and states it will continue to pursue the inclusion of forced labour provisions in trade agreements, citing existing examples.
39
Conclusion
Taxpayers are entitled to expect public money to be used carefully and responsibly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 210)
40
Conclusion
Public procurement carries a higher risk of exposure to forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 211)
41
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Procurement Act and the Great British Energy Bill provide public buyers with new discretionary powers to reject suppliers if the use of forced labour is reasonably suspected. (Conclusion, Paragraph 222)
Government Response Summary
The government confirms that the Procurement Act 2023 will empower public sector contracting authorities, including Great British Energy, to reject bids or terminate contracts with suppliers implicated in forced labour.
42
Conclusion
Not Addressed
There is significant concern that public buyers, such as local authorities, will not have sufficient capacity to use discretionary powers effectively. (Conclusion, Paragraph 223)
Government Response Summary
The government details the existing Procurement Act, stating it is the responsibility of contracting authorities to use discretionary exclusion grounds, but does not address the committee's specific concern about their capacity to do so effectively.
44
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The exclusion regime under the PA 2023 presents an opportunity to tackle forced labour in public procurement if used correctly and to its full extent. However, this will depend on effective functioning of the Procurement Review Unit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 230)
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will consider all relevant evidence in debarment investigations and plans to regularly review its investigation processes to capture and implement lessons learned.
46
Conclusion
Accepted
The Committee are encouraged by the Minister for Energy’s assurance that GBE will take action on issues or concerns relating to forced labour raised by the JCHR. (Conclusion, Paragraph 237)
Government Response Summary
The government confirms Great British Energy (GBE) will follow strict ethical standards, detailing steps like issuing a Statement of Strategic Priorities, requiring GBE to develop a Strategic Plan, appointing a Director for Ethical Supply Chains, and publishing an annual report by July 2026.
48
Conclusion
Deferred
The UK’s demand for imported critical minerals is highly likely to increase in the future as the green energy transition progresses. Based on the evidence we heard, the Committee is concerned that there is not a clear strategy for managing the risks of forced labour associated with critical minerals. (Conclusion, …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of high ESG standards for critical minerals and states that a new Critical Minerals Strategy, expected in 2025, will refine its approach to responsible supply chains.
50
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The risks of forced labour presented by the solar industry, which is a key element of the Government’s intended energy procurement programme, are not being effectively addressed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 255)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the complexity and challenges of forced labour risks in the solar supply chain and outlines ongoing work under the Solar Roadmap, including stakeholder collaboration, monitoring the Solar Stewardship Initiative, and the role of the Solar Council.
54
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
It is currently too difficult for individual survivors to access the courts in the UK when they have been subject to forced labour abroad in the supply chains of UK companies. (Conclusion, Paragraph 270)
Government Response Summary
The government states the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review will consider measures to support responsible business, including a 'failure to prevent' obligation. They have also established the Office for RBC (ORBC) to provide a non-judicial dispute resolution mechanism for victims, aiming to improve accessibility to remedy, but do not specifically address court access.
56
Conclusion
Rejected
We support the creation of a Survivor Advisory Council. Such a body could empower survivors of forced labour to contribute to meaningful legislative change and policy reform. (Conclusion, Paragraph 279)
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the creation of a dedicated Survivor Advisory Council, stating it is not the most effective approach, and will instead strengthen collaboration with existing sector-led Lived Experience Advisory Panels to amplify survivor voices.