Is modern slavery understood enough in business?

Following International women’s day, is tackling modern slavery and inequality at work being highlighted enough?

Modern slavery encompasses exploitative situations that people can’t refuse or leave, due to threats, violence, coercion, deception, abuse of power and vulnerability. Such abuse is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the aim that all work is good work, recognising occupational safety and health (OSH) as a fundamental right at work. So, with climate change, pandemics and geopolitical conflicts all intensifying hardship and modern slavery risk, what can employers, investors and individuals do?

Responsible business means safe, healthy and inclusive work. Employers and investors, along with procurers and other decision-makers, are essential to improving working conditions across global supply chains. They can use gender-responsive standards, guidance, audit protocols and binding agreements, such as the International Accord , which requires OSH training, including on preventing gender-based violence and harassment and the ILO fundamental principles and rights at work. And they can provide awareness training about the scale and nature of gender inequities at work and guidance on good practice solutions.

Source – IOSH Magazine