Collaboration against modern slavery, UK 

The respect of human rights is something which can be more effectively addressed through collaboration. In the UK we have been collaborating to raise awareness and stimulate action. 

This has included co-creation and delivery a supplier engagement session, convened by one of our key clients, who are a global tech business, to stimulate debate and provide a forum for their suppliers to discuss challenges and working practices, relevant to mitigating modern slavery risk.

The session was supported by the Slave-Free Alliance, at the invitation of Hays, to explain clearly what Modern Slavery is, the scale of the issue and provide latest insights and general context. 

Hays colleagues prepared to share their experience of collaborating with the Slave-Free Alliance and how the partnership had sharpened focus on improvement opportunities. The client’s Technical Services Category Lead said: "I would like to express our sincere gratitude for embracing our idea and helping us make it real to co-host together a UK Modern Slavery Awareness Session. The subject of Modern Slavery is very important and is presenting an organisation at its very best when one can demonstrate continuous efforts in the field. I believe, the relationship between Hays and my company, is an example of a real partnership, where actions and initiatives go beyond the standard business needs." 

There has been further collaboration with other industry players, key client and construction business ‘Kier’ and the award-winning anti-slavery charity ‘Unseen’. In this instance, we contributed to a video designed to help raise awareness of modern slavery risk, particularly in relation to construction. The film can be accessed here.