Modern Slavery Statement
1. Objective and scope
1.1 The objective of this policy is to set out Express Recruitment's commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and throughout our supply chains. We will not tolerate slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour or human trafficking in any part of our operations, including in the placement of candidates and temporary workers with our clients.
1.2 This policy applies to all employees, directors, temporary workers, contractors, suppliers and business partners acting on behalf of Express Recruitment.
2. Our structure, business and supply chains
2.1 Our business and structure
2.1.1 Express Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency founded in 1987. We provide permanent and temporary recruitment services to employers, with a focus on office based roles including administration, customer service, finance and accounts, IT and engineering.
2.1.2 We operate from offices in Nottingham, where our head office is based, Derby and Leicester. The business is led by our Managing Director and directors, who hold overall responsibility for this policy. Each manager is responsible for making sure modern slavery prevention is built into their team's recruitment practices, supplier relationships and day to day management. Responsibility for spotting and reporting signs of modern slavery lies with every employee, temporary worker and partner.
2.2 Our supply chains
2.2.1 As a service business, our supply chains are relatively short and largely UK based. The most significant part of our operation from a modern slavery perspective is the supply of labour itself: the candidates and temporary workers we register, place and in many cases pay.
2.2.2 Our wider supply chain includes job boards and advertising platforms, recruitment and payroll software, IT equipment and services, office supplies, facilities and cleaning services and professional services such as legal and accountancy support. We carry out proportionate checks across these relationships to support ethical sourcing and legal compliance.
3. Policies
3.1 We have a zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking. This is supported by our:
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Data Protection and Privacy Policy
3.2 These policies commit us to treating every person with dignity and respect and require everyone we work with to comply with the law on forced labour and trafficking.
3.3 We operate in line with the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. We never charge candidates a fee for finding them work.
4. Due diligence processes
4.1 Candidates and temporary workers
4.1.1 Every candidate we place goes through our registration process, which includes:
• Face to face or video registration with a consultant
• Right to work checks in line with Home Office guidance
• Identity and address verification
• Collection of personal emergency contact details
• Signed terms of engagement before any assignment starts
4.1.2 All temporary workers are paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, receive holiday pay and have access to Agency Worker Regulations entitlements after 12 weeks in the same role.
4.2 Suppliers
4.2.1 We carry out proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers, which may include:
• Initial vetting of prospective suppliers
• Review of terms and conditions, including anti slavery clauses where appropriate
• Requesting a copy of the supplier's own modern slavery policy or statement
• Periodic review of key suppliers, particularly those providing labour based services
4.3 Where appropriate, we work with suppliers to improve their awareness of and compliance with our standards.
5. Effectiveness and performance monitoring
5.1 We measure how well our approach is working by tracking:
• Completion of right to work and identity checks for every placement
• Staff completion of modern slavery training
• Number and outcome of any concerns raised
• Any corrective actions taken with clients or suppliers
5.2 These measures are reviewed annually by our directors to make sure our approach stays relevant and effective.
6. Training and awareness
6.1 Temporary workers are given information on their rights and on how to raise concerns as part of their onboarding.
7. Reporting and whistleblowing
7.1 Employees, temporary workers and third parties are encouraged to report any concern in confidence through our Whistleblowing Policy or directly to a director. Concerns can also be reported to the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700.
7.2 All reports are taken seriously and we are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from any form of retaliation.
8. Continuous improvement
8.1 This policy is reviewed annually to make sure it reflects current legislation and good practice.
8.2 We are committed to developing our approach in line with guidance from industry bodies and changes to the law.
9. Remediation and support
9.1 Where modern slavery is identified, we will:
• Take immediate action to protect the individual
• Report the matter to the relevant authorities
• End relationships with any client or supplier who will not comply
9.2 We will signpost affected individuals to specialist organisations that can provide support, including legal advice, safe accommodation and recovery services.
Approval
This policy has been reviewed and approved by the directors of Express Recruitment. It reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, ethical conduct and continuous improvement in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking across our business and supply chains.
Signed on behalf of Express Recruitment by:
Name: Lesley Beauchamp
Title: Managing Director
Date: 19/10/24