Modern slavery policy statement

Given the nature of our business, the management team consider that there is minimal risk that, either within SB Labs Ltd or the supply chain which support our business activities, are in any way involved in or supportive of slavery and human trafficking. And to the extent that we operate as a purchaser of goods or services we expect a high level of ethical conduct from those businesses with which we do business within our supply chain.

Organisation’s structure

SB Labs is a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of innovative furniture systems for laboratory and educational environments.

All Suppliers are based in the EU and all sub-contract installation teams are UK based

Design, Manufacture and assembly is carried out in our Manchester factory.

Policy statement

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.

SB Labs Ltd has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships

We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners. We expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same standards.

This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, agency workers, contractors, external consultants and business partners.

Responsibility for the policy

The board of directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it.

The Managing Director has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy, monitoring its use and effectiveness.

Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it and the issue of modern slavery in supply chains.

You are invited to comment on this policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions and queries are encouraged and should be addressed to the Managing Director.

Compliance with the policy

You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy

The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chains is the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.

You must notify your line manager or the Managing Director as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future.

You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any parts of our business or supply chains of any supplier tier at the earliest possible stage.

If you believe or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred or that it may occur you must notify your line manager or company Director as soon as possible.

If you are unsure about whether a particular act, the treatment of workers more generally, or their working conditions within any tier of our supply chains constitutes any of the various forms of modern slavery, raise it with your line manager or company Director.

We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavorable treatment connected with raising a concern.

If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform your line manager immediately. If the matter is not remedied, and you are an employee, you should raise it formally.

Communication and awareness of this policy

Training on this policy, forms part of the induction process for all individuals who work for us, and updates will be provided using established methods of communication between the business and you.

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.

Breaches of this policy

Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct.

We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organisations working on our behalf if they breach this policy.

Signed by:

M.Serridge, Managing Director

Date: 01-01-2019