With the spread of COVID 19, new conditions have presented themselves that make it easy for companies to take advantage of their workers, especially those who do not have many other choices for earning incomes. Employers who have suffered some financial losses due to the pandemic are the most likely to engage in modern slavery practices.
Employees may be working longer hours without breaks, making the same wages, to compensate for those losses. But, this is a serious problem that should not occur at all. There are some ways businesses can recoup their losses, without having to overwork their employees. It’s unfair and even cruel, to make workers put in longer hours and ignore their physical needs. But, companies feel like they have no choice, especially when they’re trying to fill their orders and demand is high for the products or services they offer.
The modern slavery business risk is something many firms are taking a closer look at, especially since the pandemic has occurred. They want their customers to know they care about humanity and how people are treated. So, many are looking more closely at their suppliers and supply chains. This is where modern slavery occurs most often. Manufacturing and service industries are fraught with modern slavery, whether in working people too many hours, not paying them fairly for the hours they work, or a combination of both.
Modern slavery occurs within many different industries, including manufacturing, food service, hospitality services, and many more. It is not limited to a single industry. But, it is unfair and at times cruel. Companies that want to take a stand against modern slavery must first look at their own practices. Then, they can look at suppliers and supply chains, to see which ones may be engaging in the practice to save some money.
Companies that want to show they care will write a modern slavery business risk document to either provide on the company website or incorporate into employee manuals. Public image is more important than ever, so modern slavery is an issue for every firm, whether short-staffed or not.
Companies that want to avoid supporting modern slavery can first check their own practices, to identify any employees who are putting in too much time and seem to be unhappy about the situation. Then, they can look at all links in the supply chain, to determine if any of those links are involved in it.