UK

The UK 2016 NAP addresses supply chain already in the Introduction [page 3]: “The G7 Leaders’ Declaration (7-8 June 2015) contained the following commitments: (…) To enhance supply chain transparency and accountability, we encourage enterprises active or headquartered in our countries to implement due diligence procedures regarding their supply chains”.

The UK 2016 NAP, in Actions Taken section [page 8], states that:

“To give effect to the UN Guiding Principles, the Government has:

i) introduced the Modern Slavery Act which consolidates and simplifies existing legislation, toughened penalties to allow a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and provides safeguards for victims. Companies covered by the Act are required to produce a “slavery and human trafficking” statement for each financial year setting out what steps they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its business and supply chain The Act, which entered into force on 31 July 2015, also created an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; …

iii) taken account of business activity in conflict and fragile states, or countries with high levels of criminal violence, within the Building Stability Overseas Strategy. Companies operating in these difficult environments have an important role to play in contributing to stability, growth, development, prosperity and the protection of human rights. We support the implementation of the OECD Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises in Weak Governance Zones. We will continue to promote implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas. The Government will also work with EU partners and other like-minded countries to deliver increased effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and higher standards of responsible sourcing in the global diamond supply chain. (…)”

The UK 2016 NAP mentions supply chains in the context of the Rana Plaza case [page 12] as well as in Government Expectations of Business [page 14]:

“The UNGPs guide the approach UK companies should take to respect human rights wherever they operate. The key principles of this approach are to: (…) – emphasise the importance of behaviour in line with the UNGPs to their supply chains in the UK and overseas. Appropriate measures could include contractual arrangements, training, monitoring and capacity-building.”

The UK 2016 NAP further provides that [page 15]:

“The Government encourages companies to review their existing grievance procedures to ensure they are fair, transparent, understandable, well-publicised and accessible by all, and provide for grievances to be resolved effectively without fear of victimisation. It is also important for businesses to require similar good practice of their supply chains, especially in areas where abuses of rights have been identified.”