Businesses invited to join the fight against modern slavery

Since its launch last month, the Evening Standard and Independent special investigation into modern slavery, Slaves On Our Streets, backed by Cardinal Vincent, Prime Minister Theresa May, Archbishop Justin Welby and other leaders, has had overwhelmingly positive from readers, authorities and businesses alike.
The next focus for the investigation will be the corporate sector. The Evening Standard and Independent will be shining a light on work being done by businesses across the UK and further afield. While many firms are leaders in combatting modern slavery, there is more to be done.
Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, businesses with a total turnover of £36m must provide a transparency statement. These businesses, as well as others who do not have a statutory duty, are now being invited to sign up to a pledge to demonstrate their commitment to combating the evil of modern slavery. The statement reads:
'We are committed to combating modern slavery and human trafficking. We will address the risk of slavery in our business and supply chain and take all possible steps to eradicate it. We will undertake to work positively with governments and authorities
to combat this evil and we will always encourage our employees and customers to speak out where slavery concerns exist.'
Businesses wishing to sign up to the pledge are invited to email StopSlavery@standard.co.uk
All participating businesses will be printed in the paper as a supporter of the statement above.
To find out about the latest developments in the special investigation, please visit www.standard.co.uk/news/
modern-slavery