Introduction
This statement has been created by Filplastic (UK) Limited, to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains.
This statement relates to actions and activities during the calendar year 1st January to 31st December 2022.
Filplastic (UK) Limited, also trading as Filstorage Limited, recognises the responsibility it has in taking a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. The organisation is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities and that of its supply chain.
Organisational structure
This statement covers the activities of Filplastic (UK) Limited, in particular, the activities of sales (both in person and online), distribution, warehousing, installation of racking and shop fittings. Our business has office premises in Eastrington and warehousing at Spaldington, both in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Our supply chain includes the procurement and purchase of storage equipment, racking and shop fittings sourced from a range of global suppliers.
Relevant Policies
The organisation operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.
- Whistleblowing Policy: The organisation encourages all employees, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains, of the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation’s whistleblowing policy is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns should speak with the Managing Director in the first instance.
- Employee Code of Conduct: The code of conduct, as communicated to the employees at induction and via the Staff Handbook, makes it clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. The organisation strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating in the UK and managing its supply chain.
- Recruitment & Agency Workers: The organisation uses only specified recruitment agencies to source labour and verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: The organisation is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the Modern Slavery Act and are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary. Serious violations of the organisation’s supplier code of conduct will lead to the termination of the business relationship.
Due Diligence
The organisation undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. The organisation’s due diligence and reviews include:
- Review of subcontractors on regular basis
- Review of existing supplier performance and the contract terms and conditions on regular basis
- Completion of Supplier Evaluation Questionnaires
- Approved Supplier Register
- Compliance with HMRC and Immigration regulations for all UK based workers
Training & Awareness
The organisation provides training and information to all staff on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and guidance is available from these relevant UK websites:
Modern slavery training: resource page - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Compliance with the Policy
You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy.
The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of the business or supply chain is the responsibility of all employees.
You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
You must notify your Line Manager or Managing Director as soon as possible if you believe or suspect a conflict with this policy has occurred or may occur in the future.
The Company reserves the right to amend and update this policy as required. For the avoidance of doubt, this policy does not form part of employees’ contracts of employment.
APPENDIX 1
Busting Myths about Modern Slavery
This information can be used to assist with any toolbox talks or one-to-ones with your teams. The aim is so our employees can:
- understand that modern slavery is a significant issue that needs to be addressed
- feel compelled to help prevent modern slavery, how to spot the signs and what to do if they spot them
- feel proud to be working for a company that is working to help prevent modern slavery
Statement 1: Slavery does not happen in the UK
MYTH – Slavery happens around the world. The most recent estimate by the Global Slavery Index 2018 states that there may be 136,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK alone.
Statement 2: Modern Slavery is illegal in the UK
FACT – The Modern Slavery Act 2015 brought together existing legislation and increased the maximum sentence for modern slavery to life imprisonment.
Statement 3: It is easy to spot a victim of modern slavery
MYTH – Modern slavery is often said to be hidden in plain sight however there are signs that can identify victims and help you to take relevant action:
- Person looks malnourished
- Appears anxious or frightened and doesn’t want to communicate
- Looks unkempt, wears the same clothes regularly
- Has signs of physical injuries
- Appears to be under the control of another i.e. someone speaks on their behalf
- Doesn’t travel on their own, is brought to work and collected afterwards
Statement 4: There is nothing I can do to help
MYTH
- Talk to colleagues, friends and family and encourage them to raise awareness.
- Speak to your Line Manager
- The Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 (24/7, confidential)
- Report your suspicions to the Police