"Why business is the best partner in the fight against modern slavery", 15 Jan 2018

More than 40 million people are currently enslaved. Of this number, 70% are trapped in forced labour, working unpaid in factories..., hidden so far down the supply chains of multinational companies... It is hard to deny the moral imperative for businesses to take the lead in fighting this shameful global crime. But if the moral argument alone isn’t enough, board members, shareholders and investors alike might like to know that fighting slavery also offers attractive economic returns...

[C]hange is happening...

[S]lavery has found itself in the headlines and some of the biggest businesses in the world responded, pledging to work together to improve working conditions and monitor progress. Businesses care about consumer perception, and increased media scrutiny has led to public awareness...

The second factor clearly leading to progress is the introduction of new legislation. The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 has developed a standard for corporates to adhere to...

In February 2017, the French Parliament adopted a similar law...

The Dutch government is currently considering legislation that would require companies to publicly report on whether child labour is present in their supply chains and the steps taken to eradicate it...

Most recently, in Australia, there is an ongoing consultation for the establishment of an anti-slavery bill.