Modern slavery is a complex and often hidden crime, crossing borders, sectors and jurisdictions.
‘Slavery’ is an umbrella term for activities involved when one person obtains or holds another person in compelled service. Anyone can become a victim, but victims do not always recognise themselves as such. Someone is enslaved if they are:
- forced to work through mental or physical threat;
- owned or controlled by an ’employer’, usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse;
- dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as ‘property’;
- physically constrained or have restrictions placed on their freedom.
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 was the first of its kind in Europe, and one of the first in the world, to specifically address slavery and trafficking in the 21st century. The Act defines ‘modern slavery’ as servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.
In 2016, it was estimated that there were nearly 12,000 victims of slavery here in the United Kingdom, with millions more forced into unacceptable working conditions in the global supply chains of UK businesses. Whilst not all sections of the Act are directly applicable to business, Section 54, ‘Transparency in Supply Chains’ impacts the corporate sector.
Our Values
Hydraulics Online is an award-winning, British ISO 9001 accredited company. Founded in 2004, we offer an independent, customer-led approach in an otherwise product-led industry. We:
- believe that respect for human rights is integral to being a responsible company;
- conduct all of our business in an honest, trustworthy, respectful and ethical manner and act openly in relation to all of our dealings with customers, colleagues, suppliers and third-party contacts;
- commit to delivering customer-centric solutions and business partnerships built on trust, respect, integrity and accountability.
- respect each other and hold each other accountable for upholding our values in everything we do and expect the same values and high ethical standards from our suppliers, customers and business partners;
- ensure that due care and attention is given to the well-being of all staff in both their business and personal environment.
Our Policy on Modern Slavery
We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery in our supply chains or in any part of our business.
Our employees are vigilant and will ensure that management is aware of any potential risk areas with our supply chain. We do not support or deal with any businesses knowingly involved in slavery or human trafficking.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our Modern Slavery Transparency Statement.
This statement was approved by the Board of Directors of Hydraulics Online Ltd on 23rd November 2018 and signed on its behalf by: Helen Tonks, Co-founder, Hydraulics Online Ltd
If any of our colleagues, customers, suppliers or any third party we work with have concerns or issues that they wish to raise please contact us via: feedback@hydraulicsonline.com. Any issues raised will be treated with the utmost importance.
Spread the Word…
Modern slavery, here in the U.K. and overseas, will only end if everyone is aware it exists and knows what to do, if suspected.
The Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre is working towards a world without slavery by supporting, equipping and influencing individuals, communities and business.
The Modern Slavery Helpline is fully independent and confidential. It is free to call on: 08000 121 700. You can submit reports online or learn how to spot the signs of modern slavery and report concerns using the free Unseen App.
