Introduction
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
IAE have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity in all our business dealings to implement and enforce effective systems; to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or our supply chain.
We are also committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chain. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners. As part of our contracting processes, we include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude; and we expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
Our Business
IAE are the United Kingdom’s leading manufacturer of agricultural, equestrian and fencing equipment.
Industrial, Agricultural Engineers (IAE) is part of the F. Klucznik & Son Ltd group of companies which also includes; IAE Fencing, IAE Agricultural and Centrewire Ltd.
Our Supply Chains
We purchase products mainly from UK based supply companies, many of whom are part of larger global organisations.
We issue our main and high-risk suppliers with a copy of our Anti-Slavery policy, with the expectation that their own policies and the policies of their suppliers meet our same high standard. We are now actively working with our main and high-risk suppliers, requesting their anti-slavery policies/statements and seeking confirmation of their commitment to comply with our standards.
Respecting human rights in the supply chain is ultimately our suppliers’ responsibility however we will ensure that our expectations with regard to slavery and human trafficking are communicated to them.
Our Policy on Slavery and Human Trafficking
We are committed to ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in any part of our business or supply chains. This reflects our commitment to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, implementing and enforcing effective systems of due diligence and controls.
Supplier Adherence
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of the laws on forced labour, slavery and human trafficking and we expect this policy to prevail in our supply chain. Our managers are responsible for compliance in their departments.
Due Diligence Process for Slavery and Human Trafficking
As part of our initiatives to identify and mitigate risk, where possible we build long-standing relationships with suppliers and make clear our expectations of ethical business behaviour;
We have in place systems to:
- Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains.
- Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains.
- Monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains.
- Protect whistleblowers.
Training
Appropriate staff have been briefed on the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Awareness of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and whistleblowing policy is incorporated in to the company induction process for all new employees. To ensure a high level of understanding of the risks of slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains, we provide training to relevant members of staff.
Our Effectiveness in Combating Slavery and Human Trafficking
We use the following key measures to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any part of our business or supply chains.
- Supplier due diligence
- Human Resources checks upon employment
- Review and action on whistleblowing issues linked to slavery and human trafficking
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the current financial year