The construction sector needs to address modern slavery

Tackling Modern Slavery in Construction

The findings of the Global Slavery Index released yesterday are shocking and put the onus on all of us to take positive action against the evils of modern slavery now affecting 48 million people worldwide says BRE's Head of Responsible Sourcing Shamir Ghumra.

'While the report cites the number of people affected in the UK at a relatively low 13,000, the figure doesn’t reflect the complex supply chains of most sectors, none more so than the construction sector.'

'BRE is current developing a new standard – the Ethical Labour Standard – which will provide organisations with a framework to verify their systems and processes in relation to the Modern Slavery Act and continuously improve their ethical labour sourcing practices.'

'We have 120+ organisations who are helping us shape the standard and trial its use. This is a testament to the willingness of our industry to do the right thing - these are organisations with complex international supply chains so the ability they have to affect real change on a global scale is significant.'

The standard will be launched in July in London.

For further information please contact shamir.ghumra@bre.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR

About BRE

We are a world leading building science centre and the authority on all aspects of the built environment. We generate new knowledge through research that is used to create products, tools and standards that drive positive change across the built environment. We enable our government and private sector clients to meet the environmental, social and economic challenges they face by delivering higher performing, better quality, safer, more secure and more sustainable products homes, buildings and communities. We are owned by the BRE Trust, a registered charity, which funds research and education that advances knowledge of the built environment.  We are committed to building a better world together. We are BRE. www.bre.co.uk