A NEW training programme to tackle issues surrounding modern-day slavery has been launched for businesses.

The news follows the conviction of an extended Lincolnshire family for running a modern slavery ring which kept one of its captives in “truly shocking” conditions for decades.

The University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform has partnered with the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, law firm CLT Envirolaw and events provider Muon Events.

They have launched a training workshop for businesses across Sussex to understand their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act.

The Green Growth Platform’s director Zoe Osmond said: “Modern slaves in the UK are often said to be hidden in plain sight.

“Although no respectable business would choose to be associated with human rights abuses and exploitation, sectors with fragmented supply chains, covering raw material production, manufacturing and site labour, alongside opaque procurement processes and high demand for migrant labour, are especially vulnerable.

“The Modern Slavery Act introduced in March 2015 affects all businesses, requiring them to keep a careful eye on their own employment practices, as well as third parties with whom they have a business relationship.

“The Act requires every business trading in the UK with more than £36 million turnover to publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement on their website showing the steps they have taken to increase transparency within their supply chain.

“In the event of any allegations or litigation against a company’s working practices, this statement would form the basis of a legal defence and serves to mitigate damage to a company’s reputation.

“Penalties for non-compliance are severe.

“The Act also affects smaller companies, who are having to address their supply chains in response to buyers requesting visibility of supply chain risk.”

Tickets can be booked online at http://muonevents.com/ggp-slavery.html