We all have a need to be treated fairly and with respect and there are guidelines out there to assist in companies doing this.  The main international guidelines are the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code.  This is an internationally recognised set of labour standards based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.  There are 9 guidelines in place:

1. Employment is freely chosen
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
4. Child labour shall not be used
5. Living wages are paid
6. Working hours are not excessive
7. No discrimination is practiced
8. Regular employment is provided
9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

These are the bedrock of all Ethical standards e.g. SA8000, BRCGS Ethical Standard and the SEDEX audit (SMETA).

We have over 10 years experience in reviewing these standards to ensure that, not only are the systems in place compliant with the legislation, they are ethically sound.

This is completed through detailed audits, which include a review of the following key areas:

• Pay to employees to ensure that tax, NI and pensions are calculated correctly and there are no unlawful deductions in place
• Right to work ID checks
• Holiday entitlement and pay
• Management systems in place and performance
• Labour provider management controls in place
• Recruitment and induction programmes in place
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Welfare conditions and facilities in place
• Safety systems in place
• Health and Wellbeing support and systems in place
• Employee interviews

Whether you are required to review your ethical performance due to customer requirements or you are just wishing to review your own performance, we can support you with our detailed audit.

Labour Providers:

If you are using a labour provider to supply temporary labour to your business, you have a duty to ensure that these people are not trafficked into the UK or are bonded to the labour provider who is providing them.  The Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in the UK require that any labour provider who provides temporary workers to the following industries have a GLAA Licence:

• Processing and packaging of all fresh food, drinks and other produce
• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Shellfish gathering

If you are in one of these sectors, then we can support you by completing a detailed labour provider audit on your suppliers to ensure that they are compliant with all the ethical and legal needs as well as any specific needs which you have.

If you wish to discuss your ethical compliance needs, then please contact us and we will be happy to support.