"Forced Labour in the UK’s Supply Chains", 24 July 2025

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has explored the issue of forced labour in supply chains reaching the UK. The inquiry has found evidence that goods which are produced or part-produced with forced labour are being sold to consumers in the UK. This is counter to the Government’s stated position that no company operating in the UK should have any forced labour whatsoever in its supply chain.

The UK has a patchwork of domestic legislation which is relevant to forced labour and supply chains. However, this current framework has not prevented goods linked to forced labour from entering the UK market.

The UK has ratified a number of international agreements which are relevant to the issue of forced labour. However, the international law obligations on the UK under these agreements usually only extend to the UK’s jurisdiction. The international legal framework is currently of limited practical use, therefore, in tackling forced labour in UK supply chains occurring outside of the UK...

Encouragingly, the Committee has heard a willingness from representatives in the business sector for the implementation of mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for UK companies. At present, the UK takes a voluntary approach to due diligence in supply chains. This is not creating a “level playing field” and risks putting responsible businesses at a disadvantage. Mandatory requirements would drive a more consistent approach across business.

Import bans for goods linked to forced labour can send a strong message that forced labour in supply chains will not be tolerated. Such bans can be an appropriate response to state-imposed force labour, where conventional due diligence approaches may be inappropriate.