UK

The UK 2013 NAP notes that [page 9] “[t]o give effect to the UN Guiding Principles, we have:

(ii) sought and are committed to ensuring that in UK Government procurement human rights related matters are reflected appropriately when purchasing goods, works and services. Under the public procurement rules public bodies may exclude tenderers from bidding for a contract opportunity in certain circumstances, including where there is information showing grave misconduct by a company in the course of its business or profession. Such misconduct might arise in cases where there are breaches of human rights. In addition, UK public bodies are required to have due regard for equality-related issues in their procurement activity.”

The UK 2016 Updated NAP highlights the report on “Public Procurement and Human Rights” launched by The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [page 5]

The UK 2016 Updated NAP, in the Government Commitments section [page 10], states:

“The Government will do the following to reinforce its implementation of its commitments under Pillar 1 of the UNGPs: (…) Continue to ensure that UK Government procurement rules allow for human rights-related matters to be reflected in the procurement of public goods, works and services, taking into account the 2014 EU Public Procurement Directives and Crown Commercial Service guidance on compliance with wider international obligations when letting public contracts. In addition, UK public bodies are required to have due regard for equality-related issues in their procurement activity.”

The UK 2016 Updated NAP further highlights that [page 17]:

“The [Equality and Human Rights] Commission is working with the Institute of Human Rights and Business to publish guidance in early 2016 for UK businesses in the care and private security sectors. The guidance will include an assessment of the main human rights impacts in each sector and practical guidance for managers in areas such as human resources, operational delivery and procurement.”