FAQs

• How modern slavery in manufacturing affects businesses

  Modern slavery risks within manufacturing supply chains, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, present critical challenges. The complexities of multi-tiered production processes can obscure unethical labor practices, particularly in recruitment. This can lead to vulnerable workers facing exploitation due to factors like low wages and the use of unregulated agencies. The intricate nature of supply chains makes it difficult to ensure ethical labor practices at every stage. The Mekong Club offers manufacturers targeted training and strategies to identify and mitigate these risks, focusing on responsible supply chain management and worker protection.

  Modern slavery in manufacturing businesses is common and comes in the form of forced labour, sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Business models often focus on maximising profits, which can sometimes result in less emphasis on prioritising employees’ rights. As a result, workers may face lower wages and may be sourced through agencies that do not always adhere to legislation.

  With so many steps in the supply chain, it can be difficult to control processes, including the recruitment of employees. Mekong Club can support manufacturers by training them on strategies to overcome modern slavery in supply chains.

• How to engage suppliers and raise awareness about modern slavery

  Engaging suppliers and raising awareness about modern slavery requires a comprehensive approach across all supply chain stages. Businesses must conduct thorough due diligence, ensuring suppliers adhere to ethical labor practices. The Mekong Club provides tailored support to raise internal awareness, including training on identifying modern slavery indicators and implementing effective response strategies. Through consultations, we work with businesses to understand their specific supply chain dynamics and develop targeted solutions for supplier engagement, fostering a collaborative effort towards a slavery-free supply chain.

  Modern slavery in supply chains affects all stages. Businesses should research their suppliers and ensure that they follow ethical practices.

  We can help you raise awareness of modern slavery throughout your business, including education on the signs to look out for and steps you can take to address it. We offer consultations where we’ll understand your business and provide solutions to engage suppliers to create a slavery-free world.

• How do you assess modern slavery?

  To effectively tackle modern slavery in manufacturing, you need to understand how your current anti-slavery strategies compare to others in the hospitality space.

  Use our anonymous self-assessment to get your modern slavery score.

• How can we assess the impact of our anti-slavery initiatives?

  An easy way to measure your progress is to complete our self-assessment before and after you have implemented the change in your supply chain. You can then compare your score.

  Alternatively, Mekong Club members will benefit from personalised support to create initiatives and measure their impact.

• How much does it cost to become a member of the Mekong Club?

  For small medium businesses, membership costs $7,000. Membership is $12,000 if there are more than 250 employees in your organisation.

• What is a high risk factor for modern slavery in supply chains?

  A high-risk factor for modern slavery in supply chains is the reliance on low-skilled or unskilled labor, often characterized by low-paying, undervalued work predominantly performed by vulnerable populations. Additionally, the presence of debt bondage, where workers are trapped by financial obligations, creates a significant vulnerability to exploitation within manufacturing and other supply chain sectors.

  Reliance upon low-skilled or unskilled labour that is typically work that is low-paying and undervalued and often undertaken by vulnerable workers. High numbers of temporary, seasonal, or agency workers.