Responding to the outcome of the Government’s Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review, Tom Ironside, Director of Policy at the BRC, said:
"The BRC and our members have long called for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, and we welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce a mandatory human rights due diligence regime."
“A proportionate, risk-based approach, aligned with international standards and backed by clear guidance, can strengthen supply chain protections and create a level playing field. We also welcome the signalled move toward a UK-wide approach to tackling forced labour, including immediate confirmation that the EU Forced Labour Regulation will apply in Northern Ireland.
“Government must now work closely with businesses to design a framework that is effective and workable. We are disappointed that environmental due diligence has been omitted, and the proposed £350 million turnover threshold needs careful consideration to ensure consistent obligations for all businesses exposed to similar risks.
“We look forward to working with Government on the details of these proposals, to provide certainty for businesses and deliver meaningful improvements for workers throughout global supply chains.
