Surge in construction companies pledging to fight modern slavery

Seven more leading construction companies and social enterprises have pledged to work with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in tackling modern slavery and labour exploitation.

ADM Services Ltd, Williams Southern Ltd Construction, Murray and Willis Ltd, Action Sustainability, Supply Chain Sustainability School, Mahoney Contracts Ltd and Harvey Shopfitters Ltd have all signed up in the last week to the GLAA Construction Protocol, a joint agreement focused on bringing an end to labour abuse across the UK.

Since the protocol was launched in October 2017, influential organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) along with companies such as Sir Robert McAlpine and Morgan Sindall Group have signed up to the fight against modern slavery and labour exploitation.

Over recent months, they have been joined by organisations such as Tarmac, Aggregate Industries and Multiplex who have also confirmed their commitment to tackle labour abuse.

GLAA Deputy Director of Business Change Mark Heath said: “It is really encouraging to see that so many well-respected companies and social enterprises have chosen to sign up to our Construction Protocol. There’s real momentum now as more and more companies spread the word and want to play an active role in the fight against modern slavery.

“We are the UK’s foremost investigative agency for labour abuse but much of our work is based on engagement and prevention, which is where businesses and the wider public can really help.

“Around three million people are employed in UK construction and the industry contributes over £100 billion to the economy. However, because of this there are challenges and we consider construction to be a high risk sector for labour abuse and exploitation.

“When firms sign the protocol, they agree to work in partnership with us to protect vulnerable and exploited workers. They also agree to the sharing of information to help stop or prevent exploitation and pledge to raise awareness of slavery through supply chains within both sectors.

“We hope that more firms see the energy and enthusiasm shown for the protocol and decide to follow in the footsteps of the companies who have committed to protecting the reputation of the construction industry.”

To report possible modern slavery or labour exploitation, get in touch with our intelligence team by emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk or call 0800 432 0804.

Please note

The construction protocol was withdrawn in 2022. Read more about this via the link below.

Protocols make way for business owned prevention activity - GLAA