Modern Slavery Policy

1. Policy Statement

MEL has zero tolerance for modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude and exploitation.

Recruitment agencies can face particular risks because workers may be vulnerable to unlawful deductions, recruitment-related exploitation, document retention, coercion, debt arrangements or false promises of employment.

MEL is committed to responsible recruitment and to identifying and addressing indicators of exploitation.

2. Legal Framework

MEL will comply with applicable requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and other relevant labour, employment and criminal legislation.

Where statutory requirements relating to modern slavery statements apply to MEL, MEL will address those requirements appropriately. Where they do not apply, MEL may still voluntarily maintain appropriate anti-slavery measures.

3. Scope

This policy applies to MEL employees, candidates, temporary workers, contractors, suppliers and business relationships.

4. Recruitment Practices

MEL will seek to ensure that recruitment information is accurate and that workers are not deliberately misled about:

• job duties;
• location;
• pay;
• working hours;
• contractual arrangements;
• accommodation arrangements where relevant; or
• other material employment conditions.

5. Recruitment Fees

MEL will not knowingly participate in arrangements that exploit workers through unlawful recruitment charges or improper deductions.

Any fees or charges connected with recruitment or staffing must be lawful, transparent and consistent with applicable requirements and contractual arrangements.

6. Indicators of Exploitation

Potential indicators may include:

• unexplained control over a worker's identity documents;
• threats or intimidation;
• unusual restrictions on movement;
• unlawful deductions;
• excessive working hours;
• debt-related coercion;
• workers appearing unable to leave an arrangement freely;
• fraudulent recruitment promises; or
• evidence that a worker is being controlled or exploited.

7. Reporting

Any suspected modern slavery or exploitation must be reported immediately to the appropriate MEL manager.

Where appropriate, concerns may also be escalated to relevant safeguarding, law-enforcement or labour-market authorities.

8. Worker Welfare

MEL will seek to maintain channels through which workers can raise concerns about working conditions, pay, treatment, safety and exploitation without fear of retaliation.

9. Supply Chain

Where relevant, MEL may assess suppliers and third parties for labour exploitation risks and may require appropriate contractual commitments.

10. Training

Relevant personnel will receive appropriate awareness of modern slavery risks, responsible recruitment and escalation procedures.

11. Monitoring

MEL may monitor recruitment practices, worker complaints, assignment concerns, supplier relationships and other relevant indicators.

12. Breaches

Participation in or failure to appropriately address suspected exploitation may result in disciplinary or contractual action and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

13. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if relevant legislation, guidance or business risks change.

14. Contact

MEL
6-9 The Square
Stockley Park
Uxbridge
UB11 1FW

Email: info@mymel.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8064 0994