Natta Supports Anti-Slavery Day

Today marks Anti-Slavery Day, a perfect way for Natta to help raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern-day slavery within the Construction Industry.

Modern slavery is a hidden crime affecting men, women and children every day in the UK. The UK Anti-Slavery Day Act was passed into law on April 2010. The first Anti-Slavery Day took place on 18 October 2010.

What are we doing?

Natta is committed to eliminated modern slavery and has taken steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its business or any part of its supply chain, including subcontractors and suppliers.

Natta has a zero-tolerance on forced labour, involuntary labour, child labour and human trafficking. Our recruitment processes are transparent and reviewed regularly. New employees are vetted to ensure that we are able to confirm their identities and that they are paid directly into an appropriate, personal bank account. Our verification process involves an induction of all individuals prior to working on our sites, stating that they are aware of the ‘Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Act 2015’. Their ‘Right To Work’ status is also checked via UComply software that we have on all our sites and we expect all suppliers to conduct ‘Right to Work’ checks of their workforce in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where appropriate we require our supply chain to be either registered with Constructionline, or have completed our pre-qualification process. Read our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy

Much of slavery in construction starts within small private projects and speciality subcontracting companies that perform electrical, masonry or roofing work.  We must all be vigilant of subcontractors that do not name all of their employees or provide standard benefits.

According to Unseen, a UK based charity, victims are forced to work long hours for little or no pay in poor conditions under verbal or physical threats of violence to them or their families. It occurs in various industries including construction, manufacturing, laying driveways, hospitality, food packaging, agriculture, maritime and beauty (nail bars). Often victims are housed together in one dwelling. In 2016, 84% of all reported forced labour victims were male.

Whilst slavery can be hard to identify, there are some indicative signs you can be aware of that could help the most vulnerable people within your community.

• Physical Appearance – signs of abuse, malnourished
• Isolation – rare interaction, unfamiliar with the neighbourhood
• Poor Living Conditions
• Few or no personal effects – no identity or personal possessions
• Restricted freedom of movement
• Unusual travel times
• Reluctant to seek help – avoiding eye contact, appear frightened

About Unseen

Unseen is a UK based charity working towards a world without slavery. They work to unite people around the world by supporting, equipping and influencing communities.

Their specialist care is the first step in the fight against slavery. Through supporting survivors, their provision gives victims a safe place to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

You can stand up with Natta and be a part of the fight against slavery by getting involved and downloading the ‘Unseen App’. If you see something suspicious you can submit any activity anonymously.

If you need help, or you think someone may be a victim of slavery or exploitation, call the confidential UK Modern Slavery Helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

08000 121 700

Globally, it is estimated that 40.3 million people are enslaved and in the UK the Government believes that there are between 10,000 – 13,000 potential victims, resulting in up to a £4.3 billion cost to the UK economy.