Legal


Human Rights Statement

Introduction

 

Johnsons UK Services Limited (“the Organisation”) is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights across all areas of our operations and supply chain. We recognise that businesses have a responsibility not only to comply with the law, but to operate in a way that upholds the dignity, safety and wellbeing of all individuals affected by our activities.

 

Our approach is aligned with UK legislation and internationally recognised standards, including the UK Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010, and the Modern Slavery Act 2015, as well as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). We adopt a risk-based and human rights-centred approach, ensuring that the rights of workers, stakeholders and communities are considered in our decision-making and operational practices.

 

Our Commitment

 

We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that respects fundamental human rights and prevents harm. This includes ensuring that we do not cause, contribute to, or become directly linked to adverse human rights impacts through our own activities or those of our business relationships.

 

We promote a culture of respect, fairness and inclusion, and we expect the same standards from all individuals and organisations working with or on our behalf. Human rights considerations are embedded within our governance framework, operational controls and supply chain management processes.

 

Scope

 

This statement applies to:

 

  • All employees and workers, including agency and temporary labour
  • Contractors, suppliers and subcontractors
  • Clients and business partners
  • Any individual or group affected by our operations

 

We expect all third parties engaged by the Organisation to uphold equivalent human rights standards.

 

Key Human Rights Principles

 

Dignity, Equality and Non-Discrimination

We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. All individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.

 

Safe and Fair Working Conditions

We are committed to providing safe, healthy and secure working environments in line with our obligations under UK health and safety legislation. Workers are entitled to fair pay, reasonable working hours and appropriate rest periods, and we actively promote both physical and psychological wellbeing.

 

Prevention of Modern Slavery and Exploitation

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking and all forms of forced or compulsory labour. We are committed to identifying and mitigating risks across our operations and supply chain, and to taking appropriate action where concerns arise.

Our approach is set out in our Modern Slavery Policy and Statement, which aligns with BS 25700:2022 and adopts a risk-based, human rights-centred framework.

 

Freedom of Association and Worker Voice

We respect the rights of workers to express their views, raise concerns and participate in decisions that affect them. We support open communication and encourage individuals to speak up without fear of retaliation.

 

Where applicable, we respect the rights of workers to join or form representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Ethical Recruitment and Employment Practices

We are committed to ensuring that employment is freely chosen and that no worker is required to pay recruitment fees. We undertake appropriate checks to verify identity and right to work and expect the same standards from labour providers and suppliers.

 

Protection from Harm and Exploitation

We take all reasonable steps to protect individuals from physical, psychological or economic harm arising from our operations. This includes identifying vulnerable groups and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.

 

Supply Chain and Business Relationships

 

We recognise that human rights risks can arise within supply chains, particularly in labour-intensive sectors. We therefore adopt a risk-based approach to supplier management, requiring suppliers to comply with our Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct and to demonstrate appropriate controls within their own operations.

 

We expect our suppliers to:

 

  • Respect human rights and labour standards
  • Implement due diligence processes
  • Identify and manage risks within their own supply chains
  • Take corrective action where issues arise


Governance, Due Diligence and Risk Management

 

Human rights considerations are integrated into our governance and risk management processes. We assess risks based on the nature of our operations, workforce profile and supply chain structure, and implement controls proportionate to the level of risk.

Due diligence activities include:

 

·       Workforce compliance checks (e.g. right to work)

·       Supplier onboarding and risk assessment

·       Ongoing monitoring and review

·       Escalation and investigation of concerns

 

This approach enables us to identify, prevent and mitigate potential human rights impacts.

 

Reporting and Grievance Mechanisms

 

We are committed to providing accessible and effective mechanisms for raising concerns. Employees, workers and third parties are encouraged to report any suspected human rights issues, including modern slavery, through:

 

·       Line management channels

·       Human Resources

·       Confidential whistleblowing procedures

 

All concerns are treated seriously, handled confidentially and investigated promptly. We strictly prohibit retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

 

Remediation and Response

 

Where we identify that we have caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts, we are committed to taking appropriate corrective action. This includes addressing the root cause, implementing improvements and, where necessary, working with relevant authorities or specialist organisations. Our approach prioritises the safety, wellbeing and dignity of affected individuals, and reflects a commitment to continuous improvement.

 

Training and Awareness

 

We provide training and guidance to employees to ensure awareness of human rights risks and responsibilities. This includes training on modern slavery, ethical conduct and reporting procedures. We also promote awareness across our supply chain and encourage suppliers to implement similar training and awareness measures.

 

Measurable Outcomes

 

Johnsons monitors the effectiveness of its modern slavery and human rights controls through defined performance measures and measurable outcomes. These indicators support governance oversight, continuous improvement and compliance with legislative, ethical and ESG obligations.

Measure Target / Outcome Monitoring Frequency
Supplier Risk Assessments 100% of new suppliers undergo modern slavery and human rights risk assessment prior to onboarding Ongoing / Annual Review
High-Risk Supplier Due Diligence 100% of high-risk suppliers subject to enhanced due diligence, audit or formal review Annual
Training Completion 100% of relevant employees and managers complete mandatory modern slavery and human rights training Quarterly
Supplier Code Compliance 100% of labour providers and high-risk suppliers sign and comply with the Modern Slavery Supplier Code of Conduct Ongoing
Concern Investigation 100% of reported concerns relating to modern slavery or human rights are investigated and appropriately resolved As Required / Quarterly Review
Supply Chain Review 100% of active supply chain reviewed annually to identify emerging risks and improvement opportunities Annual
Incident Prevention Zero substantiated incidents of modern slavery, forced labour or human rights abuse within direct operations Continuous Monitoring
Corrective Actions 100% of identified non-conformances are subject to documented corrective action plans through to closure As Required

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

 

We regularly review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure they remain effective and aligned with evolving legal and best practice standards. We monitor performance through internal governance processes and seek to continuously improve our approach to human rights.