Tough new measures will find public bodies who buy goods and
equipment for the NHS in breach of the law if they fail to
mitigate the risk of modern slavery in supply chains.
A public consultation has been launched today (Thursday 21
November) seeking views on government proposals to prevent goods
being sourced from companies accused of exploiting their work
force.
More than 21% of NHS suppliers were recently found to be at ‘high
risk' of involving modern slavery in their supply chains.
Surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms and face masks were
identified as the five highest-risk products.
Proposed new measures would legally require public bodies
procuring goods and services for the NHS to both identify and
mitigate risks of modern slavery. Organisations will be required
to work with suppliers to identify risks and put forward
solutions.
The new regulations will apply to all public bodies procuring
health goods and service, including NHS trusts, integrated care
boards and local authorities.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
“The NHS is a public service built on compassion and
equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous
evil of modern slavery.
“These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and
public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human
trafficking.
“This government will ensure the NHS is a leader in the fight
against modern slavery.”
The NHS is the biggest public procurer in the country, and all
NHS staff are empowered and encouraged to act as whistle blowers
and report on incidents of slavery and human trafficking,
supported by staff training courses.
Those working in government procurement should involve law
enforcement agencies if they suspect workers are being subjected
to modern slavery, and call 999 if someone is in immediate
danger.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer, NHS England
said:
“Modern slavery is insidious and needs to be eradicated from
the NHS supply chain.
“While our procurement follows the government's standard
selection questionnaire, which addresses modern slavery risk,
there is much more to do.
“We have a responsibility to ensure a zero-tolerance policy
to modern slavery – and the more stakeholders that respond to
this consultation will help strengthen these measures and help us
wipe out this crime in the NHS supply chain.”
Views on the government's proposals are sought from public
bodies, suppliers, trade associations, interest groups, patients
and the wider public by February 6 2025.
