Modern Slavery Training

What is the Modern Slavery Act 2015?

The Modern Slavery Act 2015, is designed to combat modern-day slavery within the UK. 

What are the aims of the modern slavery act?

The Act was created in order to help law enforcement to punish those who are involved in these acts and also increasing the amount of support that victims receive. As well as other factors, the Act aims to;

• create an independent anti-slavery commissioner
• require businesses over a certain size to publish any actions taken to ensure there is no modern slavery within their business or supply chain
• introduce a defence for victims
• assign an obligation to the Secretary of State to produce statutory guidance for victims.

Penalties of non-compliance to the Modern Slavery Act 2015

Penalties for non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 can have significant consequences for individuals and businesses involved in modern slavery offenses or failing to meet their obligations. Here are key points you need to regarding the penalties:

Criminal Offences

The slavery act introduces criminal offences related to modern slavery which can include everything from forced labour to human trafficking. Any individuals found guilty of a modern slavery offence will be subject to lengthy prison sentences, substantial unlimited fines or both. 

Raising awareness with modern slavery online training is one of the best ways to protect your business. 

Ancillary Orders

The court may also impose an ancillary order to further address the consequences of the offence to ensure justice. These usually include forfeiture of assets or proceeds derived from the offences, confiscation orders, compensation orders to provide restitution to victims, and slavery and trafficking prevention orders.

Corporate Liability

While the Act does not prescribe specific penalties for non-compliance with the transparency in supply chains as a requirement, businesses should be aware of the potential reputational damage and legal consequences that can arise from non-compliance.

Non-compliance may result in public scrutiny, negative media attention, loss of business contracts, and damage to the brand's reputation.

Business benefits

This online training course will help you raise awareness and educate your employees on the signs of slavery, helping to build their confidence and increase the likelihood that they’ll speak up if they notice anything suspicious.

This’ll help you root out any potential slavery in your supply chain, making sure that you stay legally compliant, increasing your moral standing and reputation with customers, and, most importantly, improving the lives of people forced into servitude the world over.

In 2021 - 2022 a report from the independent anti-slavery commissioner stated that “ The Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline received 8489 calls, webforms and app submissions in 2021, a 6% increase on contacts in 202” Showing how explotiation and awareness are both on the rise. To not leave your company in the past we strongly advise modern slavery online training to all employees. 

Has the Modern Slavery Act been updated?

In June 2021, an amendment bill was introduced and at the time of writing this bill is currently in the first reading within the House of Lords, which proposes more transparency within the supply chain to identify exploitation. If this bill passes, we will be sure to update our training so it stays relevant.