'Businesses urged to tackle modern slavery', 11 March 2019

Businesses looking to secure public sector contracts will need to do more to help improve society, the UK government is set to announce.

Ministers want firms to tackle issues like modern slavery and climate change. [...]

It is "morally right" for the UK to make certain demands of companies taking taxpayers' money, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington will say.

When drawing up public contracts, the government will now be looking at:

• Firms that employ people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and from ethnic minorities
• How companies reduce modern slavery and cyber-security risks in their supply chains
• Businesses that are focused on environmental sustainability
• Companies that boost employees' employability potential through staff training [...]

Charity Anti-Slavery International has welcomed the UK's efforts to stamp out modern slavery, but it wants to see the government do even more.

Modern slavery is occurring across the UK, with a higher percentage of incidents in industries such as domestic work, construction, agriculture, catering and hand car washes. [...]