Incidents identified (mHRDD pilot)
About the data
Given the size of the problem and the complex and far-reaching nature of the supply chains of large companies, it is perhaps not surprising that incidents of modern slavery in supply chains can be common. Companies should present an accurate picture rather than seeking to cover up problems. Revealing these incidents in their statements shows business partners and consumers that companies are taking the issue seriously, and have effective risk assessment strategies in place.
This metric is used to assess Duty of Vigilance statements, German Supply Chain Acts reports, and Norwegian Transparency Act reports.
Methodology
Has the company identified at least one incident related to modern slavery risks?
‘Incident’ (violations, non-compliances) is defined as a case study or description of any case of violation of the company policies or local laws involving an individual or group of individuals. Companies can identify different types of violations, ranging from modern slavery cases to other types of incidents, such as health and safety or payment of recruitment fees.
Because definitions of modern slavery vary, incidents described in modern slavery statements (e.g. recruitment fees) do not always qualify as cases of modern slavery or forced labour, even though they are often considered as indicators or risk factors. This is why we are trying to capture the different categories of incidents disclosed by companies.
Please note, the incident must refer to a specific example, not a general description of risk, which is covered by the metric 'MSA Identification of risks'.
The answer options are the following:
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Modern slavery: cases of forced labour, child labour, state-imposed forced labour. The statement must refer to cases of modern slavery that the company recognizes as such, not to cases in which the company has identified a risk of modern slavery.
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Recruitment fees: cases in which workers paid fees to agencies or brokers for recruitment and placement in jobs, abuse of debt, and deposits.
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Freedom of movement and association: passport confiscation, restrictions on freedom of movement, confinement at workplace, prohibition of workers association.
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Wages and benefits: underpayment, withholding of wages, unpaid overtime, wages under the legal minimum or living wage level, and wage deductions.
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Working Hours: working hours above the legal maximum, excessive overtime, mandatory overtime.
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Working conditions: hazardous/unsafe conditions, health issues caused by work, workplace abuse and harassment.
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Other incidents: data protection, discrimination, or incidents that are mentioned but not described
No: If the company did not identify any incidents, or there is no relevant information in the statement, give them a value of “No”.