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Modern Slavery Statement – June 2023

Introduction

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all McGhee’s Bakery products are produced under an acceptable condition of employment in the areas covered in the standard.

We are committed to maintaining this through the strict application of this policy, which is designed to be achievable and ethical.

McGhee’s Bakery is a member of Sedex and successfully completed the 4 pillar Ethical Audit in December 2018.  A second 4 pillar Ethical Audit is being carried out in August 2023.  As a company we are fully committed to and in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Ethical Standards

Employment is freely chosen

  • There is no forced or bonded labour.
  • Workers are not required to lodge deposits or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.
  • Workers freedom of movement is not unnecessarily impended.  Workers are free to leave once their shift ends.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic

  • A safe and hygienic working environment is provided.  Adequate steps are taken to prevent accidents and injury to health associated with, or occurring in the course of work.
  • Workers receive health and safety information and training.  This shall be repeated for all new or reassigned workers.
  • Access to clean toilet facilities, potable water, sanitary facilities and food storage are provided.
  • First Aid facilities are provided.
  • Fire Emergency procedures are documented in the company handbook.
  • All employees are provided with all appropriate protective equipment (PPE).

Child labour shall not be used

  • There is no recruitment of any child less than 16 years unless they are on work experience agreed with the school.
  • Children and young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or under hazardous conditions.

Living wages paid

  • Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet at a minimum the national legal or industry benchmark standard, whichever is higher.
  • Our minimum hourly pay rate is £0.11 above the adult national minimum wage and is paid to all staff irrespective of age.
  • All workers shall be provided with written and understandable information about their working conditions in respect to wages before they start work.
  • Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted unless expressed permission of the worker concerned.  All disciplinary measures shall be recorded.

Working hours are not excessive

  • Working hours comply with the national laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection.
  • In any event workers shall not on a regular basis be required to work in excess of the national law.  Overtime shall be voluntary and shall not be demanded on a regular basis.

No discrimination is practised

  • There shall be no discrimination in hiring, compensation or access to training, promotion, overtime, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, age, religion, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
  • Maternity and Paternity rights are upheld in accordance with current national legislation.
  • Workers’ right to exercise lawful rights of free association, including joining or not joining any association are recognised and respected.

Regular employment is provided

  • To every extent possible work performed will be on the basis of a recognised employment relationship established through national laws and practice.
  • Obligations to workers under labour or social security laws and regulations arising from the regular employment relationship will not be avoided through the use of labour only contracting, sub – contracting, or home – working arrangements, or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment, nor shall any such obligations be avoided through the excessive use of fixed term contracts of employment.

No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

  • Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation are prohibited. 

Immigration law and compliance

  • McGhee’s Bakery will only employ workers with a legal right to work
  • All workers including employment agency staff will be validated by D. McGhee and Sons Ltd for their legal right to work by reviewing original documentation before they are allowed to commence work.  Procedures, which demonstrate compliance with these validations, will be implemented.
  • Employment agencies must only supply workers registered with them.