INTRODUCTION
This statement sets out the steps taken by Assemblysoft to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place within the company or in our supply chains. It outlines the steps taken by the company to ensure that related risks are identified and mitigated.
We are a provider of software development services to a number of sectors. Principally these are Waste, Financial, Medical, Transport and Technology. As a professional services company we are reliant on services from suppliers for the operation of our business. Our supply chains include but are not limited to IT equipment and technology, marketing materials and professional services consultation from all around the globe, with the majority from UK based companies. We also work with contractors and consultants during high volume periods.
What does modern slavery mean?
Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain.
What are the signs of modern slavery and what does modern slavery mean?
Modern slavery definition: “where one person controls another for profit by exploiting a vulnerability”.
Often a victim is forced to work for little or no payment. The control traffickers hold can be physical, financial, or psychological.
What’s our approach to modern slavery?
We’re proud we do business responsibly and ethically. Our Supplier Code of Conduct, contract terms and governance safeguard relationships between us and our suppliers. We set standards to ensure they operate ethically, are environmentally responsible and workers are treated with respect and dignity.
For many years, we have had methods of due diligence in place, such as supplier questionnaires and clauses within supplier and partner contracts, which ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
What are the types of modern slavery?
Modern slavery takes many forms. The 4 types of modern slavery that are most common are:
- Human trafficking. The use of violence, threats or coercion to transport, recruit or harbour people in order to exploit them for purposes such as forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage or organ removal.
- Forced labour. Any work or services people are forced to do against their will under threat of punishment.
- Debt bondage/bonded labour. The world’s most widespread form of slavery. People trapped in poverty borrow money and are forced to work to pay off the debt, losing control over both their employment conditions and the debt.
- Descent–based slavery. Where people are treated as property, and their “slave” status was passed down the maternal line.