See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil? Barriers to modern slavery risk management in supply chains: an empirical investigation

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify the barriers that prohibit the detection, prevention and remedying of modern slavery incidents in supply chains. A conceptual model is developed that draws on literature on supply chain risk management and barriers to modern slavery. 22 semi-structured stakeholder interviews were conducted to examine common challenges. We distinguish between barriers at different levels – macro, supply chain and organisational – and before and after a modern slavery incident happens – pre-incident and post-incident phases. New barriers emerged in the pre-incident phase, including disparities in terminology, a lack of global law, and limited power in the supply chain; and in the post-incident phase, a lack of remediation frameworks emerged. Modern slavery is notoriously difficult to research as companies fear exposure, and we make a novel contribution by collecting primary data from 22 stakeholders engaged in the management of modern slavery.

Keywords:

• Modern slavery
• supply chain management
• risk management

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

• SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
• SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Independent, 2018, “Topshop and Primark could be hiring children aged 14 in supply factories”. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/child-labour-primark-topshop-sustainable-fashion-industry-m-and-s-select-committee-parliament-a8654026.html [Access date: 20 March 20220].

2 Ethical Trade Initiative, 2020, Syrian refugees working in Turkey’s garment sector. Available at: https://www.ethicaltrade.org/what-we-do/eti-initiatives/syrian-refugees-working-turkeys-garment-sector#:∼:text=Turkey%20has%20seen%20an%20influx,conditions%20and%20very%20low%20wages. [Access date: 21 April 2022].

3 Managing risks associated with modern slavery, A good practice note for the private sector, available at:https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/5e5238a6-98b3-445e-a2d6-efe44260b7f8/GPN_Managing-Risks-Associated-with-Modern-Slavery.pdf?CVID=mR5Bx5h&MOD=AJPERES [Access date: Nov. 2022].

4 The Times, 2019, downloaded from: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tesco-charity-cards-packed-by-chinas-prison-slaves-v9psp9fqx?–xx%20meta=denied_for_visit%3D0%26visit_number%3D0%26visit_remaining%3D0%26visit_used%3D0&–xx-mvt-opted-out=false&–xx-uuid=a190feb520f37d7fad56dfb4283bc265&ni-statuscode=acsaz-307 [Access date: 3 Aug. 2022].

5 Tesco Modern Slavery Statement 2019, downloaded form https://www.tescoplc.com/media/755909/tesco-modern-slavery-statement-_final-201920.pdf [Access Date: 5 Sep. 2021].

6 Tesco Statement: Christmas card supply chain, 2019, available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/news/2019/tesco-statement-christmas-card-supply-chain/ [Access date: 3 March 2021].

7 Shift, 2020, Accountability as part of Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence, Available at: https://shiftproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Shift_mHRDD_Accountability_October2020.pdf [Access Date, 21 Aug. 2021].

8 Trade Union membership, UK 1995-2022: Statistical Bulletin, 24 May 2023, Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/646dcc477dd6e7000ca9b289/Trade_Union_Membership_UK_1995-2022_Statistical_Bulletin.pdf, [Access date: 18 Aug. 2023].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maryam Lotfi

Dr. Maryam Lotfi is Senior Lecturer of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. She is the co-director of Modern Slavery and Social Sustainability Research Group in Cardiff University. Maryam’s academic research focuses on ‘sustainable supply chains’ with the focus of social aspects including child slavery, modern slavery and workers’ rights. She has published different papers in refereed journals and international conferences. Maryam has experiences working with different sectors, NGOs, governments and Unions to be able to address the supply chain social issues through a multi- stakeholder approach.

Helen Walker

Professor Helen Walker is a Chair of Operations and Supply Management at Cardiff Business School. Her research explores sustainable purchasing and supply management. Research areas include public procurement, supply strategy, community benefits, and modern slavery. She has taught sustainable supply and research methods at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has conducted research and policy work with various government departments, as well as private sector firms. She previously served as President of the International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research Association. She has published 45 articles in journals such as PPC, IJOPM, Public Administration Review and Human Relations, and has received 10 best paper awards.