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odern slavery is the violation of fundamental human rights and
can take many different forms. These include worker exploitation,
forced labour, child labour, human trafficking and debt bondage. By
adopting standards and policies in their franchise networks, franchisors
are setting a benchmark for responsible business conduct, ensuring that
both franchisees and their suppliers adhere to high standards of human
rights and labour practices.
Many overseas companies have a strong emphasis on ethical business
practices, with increased pressure to demonstrate transparency and
responsibility in ESG reporting and compliance. This means New Zealand
businesses are often required to show steps they have taken to combat
modern slavery when doing business overseas, or trading with overseas
entities. Similarly, domestic consumers are more aware of ethical issues
and prefer to support companies with strong human rights records.
As a result, businesses are increasingly adopting stringent measures
to ensure their operations and supply chains are free from exploitation
and modern slavery. Franchises, in particular, are responding to this by
implementing robust ethical standards across their networks, ensuring
that both franchisors and franchisees adhere to policies that promote
human rights and prevent modern slavery.
Many franchise networks are now also adopting modern slavery and
whistleblower policies. Although not legally required, a modern slavery
policy details obligations on the franchise network to combat the risks of
modern slavery. Equally, a whistleblower policy provides an opportunity
for someone to raise their concerns about the business through a
protected disclosure.
The adoption of these two policies is becoming increasingly common,
with franchisors wanting to take steps against modern slavery and not
risk any reputational damage, legal ramifications and financial losses,
particularly given the increased scrutiny of franchisors in the media.
If you’re trading with overseas companies that ask about your modern
slavery practices, or if you’re wanting to protect your business, now
is the right time to prepare your franchise network to comply with any
obligations. The Wynn
Williams team will be
keeping a close eye
on this area of law,
so do not hesitate
to get in touch to
develop relevant
policies, or discuss
other reporting and
compliance that may
be appropriate for
your franchise.
Wynn Williams
www.wynnwilliams.co.nz
Contact
Katrina Hammon
09 300 2647
021 221 8847
katrina.hammon@
wynnwilliams.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Katrina Hammon, Wynn Williams
partner, on franchisors adopting
measures to combat modern slavery.
STOPPING
MODERN
SLAVERY
Franchise Management