The Interclass Group of Companies (“Interclass Plc, Interclass Surfacing Ltd and Interclass Construction Services”) is committed to preventing acts of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains.
We recognise our responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships. We have implemented systems and controls to help identify and mitigate the risk of modern slavery occurring within our organisation or supply chains.
This statement sets out the steps taken by The Interclass Group to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking during the financial year and has been prepared in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our organisation, business and supply chains
The Interclass Group operates within the UK construction industry, delivering construction and associated services across regional projects.
Our supply chains include subcontractors, labour providers, plant hire companies, material suppliers and professional service providers. Due to the nature of the construction sector, we recognise that certain elements of the industry may present increased risks associated with modern slavery, including the use of subcontracted labour and extended supply chains.
We are committed to working only with organisations that share our commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with employment and human rights legislation.
Our polices in relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking
The Interclass Group maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking.
We will not knowingly conduct business with any organisation or individual involved in slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, or human trafficking.
Our commitment is supported through our internal policies and procedures, including:
- ethical procurement and supplier approval procedures;
- employment and recruitment practices;
- whistleblowing and reporting procedures; and
- health, safety and wellbeing standards.
All suppliers and subcontractors are expected to operate in accordance with the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Due Diligence Processes
The Interclass Group has implemented due diligence processes designed to reduce the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.
These measures include:
- a robust supply chain approval and onboarding process;
- supplier questionnaires and compliance checks;
- verification of Constructionline and CHAS accreditations where applicable;
- communication of our expectations regarding compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015;
- requiring suppliers above the reporting threshold under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to provide their own Modern Slavery Statement;
- requiring all suppliers and subcontractors to confirm compliance with relevant employment and human rights legislation; and
- removal of suppliers from our approved supply chain where evidence of non-compliance or criminal activity relating to slavery or human trafficking is identified.
We review supplier information periodically to ensure ongoing compliance and suitability.
Risk Assessment and Risk Management
The Group recognises that the construction industry can present a heightened risk of modern slavery through the use of subcontracted labour, agency workers and complex supply chains.
To manage these risks, we:
- assess suppliers during the onboarding process;
- monitor supplier accreditations and compliance documentation;
- maintain oversight of labour procurement practices;
- encourage employees and supply chain partners to report concerns; and
- investigate any allegations or suspected breaches appropriately.
We continue to review and strengthen our processes to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks across our business activities.
Measuring Effectiveness
The effectiveness of our approach to preventing modern slavery is monitored through:
- completion of supplier due diligence checks;
- monitoring and review of supplier compliance documentation;
- review of supplier accreditation status;
- annual review of this statement and associated procedures;
- training completion rates for relevant employees; and
- investigation and resolution of any concerns raised relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices.
To date, no incidents of modern slavery have been identified within our organisation or approved supply chains.
Training and Awareness
The Interclass Group provides training and guidance to employees involved in procurement, supply chain management and recruitment activities to help them identify and respond to indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking.
We continue to raise awareness internally to ensure employees understand their responsibilities and the importance of reporting concerns.
Approval and Review
This statement has been approved by the Directors of The Interclass Group and will be reviewed annually to ensure continued compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and best practice guidance.