Modern slavery in supply chains
Forced labour risk · Modern slavery risk
Modern slavery risk in supply chains is the risk that forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking or exploitative working conditions occur in the production or delivery of goods and services.
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Simply put
What it means in ordinary work
It is a human rights risk that can be hidden several tiers down a supply chain. Procurement can influence it through supplier selection, contract terms, monitoring and remediation.
Why it matters
The consequences for affected workers are severe, and organisations can face legal, reputational and commercial risk. Risk is often highest in lower-tier, labour-intensive supply chains.
A hypothetical in practice
A hypothetical buyer mapping a labour-intensive service uses worker interviews, recruitment-fee checks and site visits through an independent specialist, with a remediation plan when indicators are found.
Common pitfalls
A supplier questionnaire alone may miss forced labour. Workers may not be free or safe to report it.
Cutting off a supplier immediately can harm workers. Plan responsible remediation and escalation.
Scope and limits
General awareness only. Legal duties, reporting thresholds and remediation expectations vary by jurisdiction and organisation.
Regional lens
How this lands where you work
The global explanation is canonical. Regional notes are additive, separately sourced and shown with their own review state. They never replace the global meaning.
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As-of date for date-sensitive regional content: 5 November 2026. Read the review policy.