Slavery & human trafficking

STOP PRESS: On 24 March 2025, the government published a fully revised and updated verson of its statutory guidance on the transparency in supply chains provisions in section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This document is being reviewed in the light of the new guidance.

All businesses are encouraged to take sustained and concerted action to ensure they are not profiting directly or indirectly from modern slavery. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 2015) includes transparency in supply chains provisions, intended to push issues of modern slavery and human trafficking up the corporate agenda. MSA 2015, s 54 requires certain organisations to produce and publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement.

Even if your organisation is not caught by the requirements of MSA 2015, s 54, you are increasingly likely to have to articulate your response to modern slavery and human trafficking risks. Guidance issued by the Home Office and the British Standards Institute recommend that even if you are not required to publish a statement under MSA 2015, s 54, it is best practice for all organisations