1.Introduction

At JNP Legal, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business, including employment practices within our organisation and throughout our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to ensure that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation do not exist in any part of our operations or supply chains. This policy outlines our approach to ethical employment and our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.

 

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that JNP Legal operates with integrity and responsibility regarding employment practices, both internally and within our supply chain.
• Comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and ensure that modern slavery is not tolerated in any part of our business or supply chains.
• Provide clear guidance on ethical employment, transparency, and fairness.

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to all JNP Legal employees, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders involved in our supply chain. It sets the standards we expect from all parties involved in our operations, and we require compliance from all our supply chain partners in upholding these ethical principles.

 

4. Ethical Employment Standards at JNP Legal

We are committed to:

• Fair Recruitment and Employment Practices: Ensuring that all hiring, promotion, and employment decisions are based on merit and equality, free from discrimination based on gender, race, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics.
• Living Wage: Paying all employees at least the minimum wage or the Living Wage, as appropriate, and encouraging our suppliers to meet or exceed the same standards.
• Safe Working Environment: Providing a workplace that complies with health and safety regulations, promoting the well-being of all staff members.
• Freedom of Association: Respecting employees' rights to join trade unions or workers' organisations and to engage in collective bargaining.
• Dignity and Respect: Promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are treated with dignity and respect, and ensuring a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment or abuse.

 

5. Ethical Employment Standards in Our Supply Chains

We expect all suppliers and contractors to:

• Comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015: Ensure that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and any form of exploitation do not exist within their operations or supply chains.
• Transparent Recruitment Practices: Ensure recruitment practices are transparent, fair, and legal, prohibiting the charging of recruitment fees to workers, and ensuring contracts are clear and understandable.
• Prevention of Exploitation: Uphold high ethical standards and prevent any form of worker exploitation, including child labour, bonded labour, or involuntary servitude.
• Fair Working Conditions: Guarantee employees work under fair conditions, receive appropriate wages, and have access to safe working environments in compliance with local labour laws.
• Compliance with Human Rights Laws: Respect and uphold international human rights standards, ensuring workers’ rights are protected at every level of the supply chain.
• Equal Opportunities: Implement non-discriminatory practices in all employment decisions, offering equal opportunities without bias

6. Commitment to Combat Modern Slavery

JNP Legal has a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and human trafficking. To combat this, we commit to:

• Risk Assessments: Conducting risk assessments to identify areas where modern slavery risks are most prevalent, especially in our supply chains.
• Due Diligence: Carrying out appropriate due diligence when engaging suppliers, including assessing their compliance with ethical employment standards and their adherence to the Modern Slavery Act.
• Regular Audits: Conducting regular audits and reviews of suppliers to ensure compliance with this policy, as well as monitoring for potential violations of modern slavery laws.
• Employee Training: Providing training to our employees and management to raise awareness about modern slavery and how to report concerns.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing confidential channels for employees, suppliers, or stakeholders to report suspicions of modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical employment practices.

 

7. Anti-Bribery and Corruption

JNP Legal has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We will not engage in any form of bribery, either directly or through third parties, and we require our suppliers and partners to adhere to similar anti-corruption practices.

 

8. Environmental and Social Responsibility

We recognise the importance of environmental sustainability in the context of ethical employment and expect our suppliers to:

• Minimise Environmental Impact: Operate in ways that minimise environmental harm, comply with environmental legislation, and actively promote sustainability in their business practices.

 

9. Monitoring, Compliance, and Enforcement

To ensure compliance with this policy, we will:

• Audits: Conduct regular audits of our policies to assess compliance with ethical employment practices and the Modern Slavery Act.
• Remedial Action: Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with to ensure corrective measures are implemented..
• Employee Accountability: Require all JNP Legal employees to act in accordance with this policy. Any employee found in breach of our ethical standards will be subject to disciplinary action.

 

10. Continuous Improvement

We are committed to the ongoing improvement of our ethical employment practices and expect our suppliers to adopt similar approaches. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its continued relevance and compliance with the law.

 

11. Accountability and Reporting

Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this policy lies with Sam Hoyland. Employees and suppliers are encouraged to report any concerns about unethical practices or modern slavery to SamH@jnplegal.org, which allows confidential reporting and ensures protection for whistle-blowers.

 

12. Conclusion

JNP Legal is dedicated to maintaining ethical employment standards and ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place within our organisation or supply chain. We believe that by fostering transparency, fairness, and responsibility in all our business dealings, we can contribute to a better, more ethical business environment.

Policy Reviewed: 19/9/24
Next Review Date: 31/3/25
Policy Owner: Sam H