Modern Slavery Statement

Haskins Group Limited
Financial Year: 2025/26

Introduction

Haskins Garden Centres and Birdworld are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in its operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to ensure ethical practices across all areas of our business, especially as we import products from the Far East, Europe, and the rest of the world. This statement outlines our efforts to combat modern slavery and uphold human rights in accordance with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Haskins Garden Centres and Birdworld operate in the retail sector, sourcing a diverse range of products from suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors including the Far East, Europe, and the rest of the world. We acknowledge the potential risks associated with global supply chains and are dedicated to maintaining transparency and integrity throughout our procurement processes.

 

Policies and Commitments

  • Preventing Forced Labour in the UK: We are committed to ensuring that all employees within our UK operations are protected from forced labour. This includes rigorous recruitment processes, compliance with UK employment laws, and monitoring to prevent exploitative working conditions.

We recognise the particular risks associated with global supply chains and are working with our suppliers and professional bodies to further strengthen our controls. This includes steps towards:

  • Supplier Code of Conduct: We are looking to introduce a supplier code of conduct, where all suppliers must adhere to ethical labour practices, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of forced or child labour. We are exploring a partnership with professional bodies such as Sedex to develop this further.
  • Whistleblowing Policy: Employees, suppliers, and stakeholders are encouraged to report concerns about unethical practices confidentially.
  • Training and Awareness: Our senior staff have received training on modern slavery risks to ensure vigilance in identifying and addressing potential violations. We have partnered with Stronger Together to train managers on risks of forced labour within the UK market, and our Buying department on identifying concerns in global supply chains.

 

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We assess risks not only in our global supply chains but also within our UK operations. Our due diligence includes ensuring all UK-based employees have legal work status, fair employment terms, and are not subjected to coercion or exploitative labour practices.

 

Monitoring and Improvement

We are committed to continuously improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. We regularly review our policies, enhance supplier engagement, and explore partnerships with organisations dedicated to ethical labour practices.

 

Approval and Publication

This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors and is reviewed annually. It is published on our website in accordance with legal requirements.

 

Signed:

Julian Winfield
Chief Executive