Contents
Previous work by this Committee
European Convention on Human Rights
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
3 The interaction between human rights and business
Who are the victims of human rights abuses?
Human rights abuses in the garment and textiles sector
Human rights abuses in other sectors
4 The UK’s Government’s approach to human rights and business
Criticisms of the updated National Action Plan
No baseline study or timetable
Failure to reflect consultation with NGOs
The wider governmental approach to business and human rights
Perceived lack of ministerial leadership
Cross-Whitehall Steering Group
Inconsistent messages between departments
Current Government advice on human rights in public procurement
Benefits of making human rights a condition of public procurement
Requirement for companies to undertake due diligence for public sector contracts
5 Preventing human rights abuses by businesses
Shortcomings of the Modern Slavery Act
Modern Slavery (Transparency in Supply Chains) Bill
The Gangmasters Licensing Authority and the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority
Decrease in inspections and enforcement
Businesses’ approach to auditing, trade unions and preventing human rights abuses
Conducting audits and working with trade unions
Incentivising good practice among businesses
Current barriers to accessing justice
Difficulties for foreign claimants accessing justice in-country
Legal aid and the effect of Rome II
High costs of this type of litigation
Access to remedy under civil and criminal law
Complexity of corporate structures
Importance of access to both civil and criminal remedies
Operation of current criminal law investigations and prosecutions
Resourcing and expertise of investigating authorities
Non-judicial access to justice
The effect of Brexit on workers’ rights and reporting standards
Increased vulnerability of workers
EU laws on reporting and procurement
Human rights clauses in trade deals
Conclusions and recommendations
Declaration of Lords’ interests
List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament
4 April 2017