Modern Slavery Act 2015
We take all steps possible to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
We all have a responsibility to prevent slavery and human trafficking. Modern slavery is a criminal activity and a violation of human rights.
Our accredited business management system makes sure that we operate fair and transparent systems, compliant with all areas of UK legislation. They include policies on:
- Modern slavery
- Recruitment
- Prevention of illegal working
- Fatigue
- Purchasing and supplier approval
- Sub contractor management
- Anti bribery
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Whistleblowing
- Corporate social responsibility
Going beyond statutory provision
VGC was the first labour resourcing company to be awarded the Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard (ELS) BES 6002.
Recruitment procedures include:
- Face-to-face interviews with all workers to gauge willingness, ability and qualifications to carry out the specific job role
- Stringent verification checks on qualifications and right to work in the UK documentation by UK Borders Agency trained staff
- Reference checks on all workers
- An induction providing information on company policies and procedures.
Staff support
- Transparent and detailed terms of engagement for all workers
- Detailed payslips
- Wages paid into personal bank accounts
- Fair access to training, development and promotion opportunities
Our messages to staff about modern slavery are communicated through:
Delivery of a bespoke modern slavery presentation focusing on our business activities, areas of risk, identifying the signs of modern slavery and how to report it. The presentation includes the film ‘Concrete’ – watch here.
- Training sessions and stand-down days
- Posters displayed in welfare facilities
- Payslip messages
- Social media and staff enews
VGC’s membership of the Supply Chain Sustainability School allows staff access to training and information about the Modern Slavery Act on the Supply Chain School website..
Audit and feedback
- We carry out periodic audits on high-risk groups of workers as defined by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
- Our key influencers provide insights into activities on site.
Reporting
If you have any concerns in relation to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, or you are working alongside anyone from another company who could be the victim of modern slavery it is essential that you report it. You can report it to VGC in confidence and anonymously:
- Report to VGC management: Ciara Pryce Ciara.pryce@vgcgroup.co.uk or Laura Perry laura.perry@vgcgroup.co.uk – telephone 01895 671 780
- tell your supervisor
- use the the whistleblowing form on this website
- email enq@vgcgroup.co.uk
You can also report it directly to the authorities:
- Modern Slavery Helpline 0808 801 0372 8am to 8pm – 7 days a week
- Download the Unseen.org app
Do not try and deal with the situation yourself unless the person is in immediate danger. If there is immediate danger call the police on 999.
If allegations are made about a supplier being in breach of VGC policies and the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we will undertake a full investigation. If a non-compliance is identified the contract will be terminated immediately. Where appropriate we may report it to the authorities, offer advice and sign-post people to the relevant organisations.
About this statement
This statement has been approved by the VGC Group board of directors on 31 October 2018. The hard copy was signed by Laurence Mckidd, managing director, on 31 October 2018.
It covers all activities of VGC Group, including the operating companies registered as VGC Group Ltd, VG Clements Ltd, VG Clements Contractors Ltd, VGC Construction Ltd, VGC Personnel Ltd, Cole Services Ltd and VGC Group Services Ltd.
We are publishing it in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It will be reviewed annually (next review October 2019).