Modern slavery

In 2016, the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) came into force. It requires commercial organisations with a turnover of over £36 million to publish a statement detailing what actions they are taking to combat any risks of modern slavery in their own operations and in their supply chains.

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Chains attached to price tags with barcode

What is modern slavery?

According to the UK Modern Slavery Act, modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking.

Examples of these offences include, but are not limited, to:

  • labour exploitation
  • domestic servitude
  • forced criminality
  • sexual exploitation.

In each case, victims may be moved (trafficked) within or between countries for the purpose of exploitation. The common factor is that a victim is used for someone else’s gain, without respect for their human rights.

Modern slavery exists in every country in the world, and victims of human trafficking and exploitation have been found in all areas of Scotland.

What can I do?

Our online course for staff and students will improve your knowledge and help the University uphold its zero-tolerance approach.

Modern Slavery training

Further resources:

What is the University doing?

The University recognises there are risks of modern slavery in particular in the supply chains of the goods and services we buy. We are working to further develop our approach to combating these risks.

The University's Modern Slavery Statement details what steps we already take to combat modern slavery and our relevant policies and procedures. It also includes an action plan to ensure sustained focus on this issue.

Read the Modern Slavery Statement

We are committed to protecting and respecting human rights and have a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. We will act ethically and with integrity in all our relationships, and use all reasonable endeavours to enforce effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains.

Modern slavery statement

Topic: supply chains & purchasing