Responsible trade: why it matters for trading with the UK
The UK government encourages businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible and help defeat modern slavery in their supply chains.
Responsible business practices are good for business and society. Responsible businesses contribute to the resilience of economies and supply chains, and help solve society’s greatest challenges.
We seek to uphold human rights and economically empower underrepresented groups such as women and people with disabilities. This means businesses trading with the UK must:
- not accept unethical practices in global supply chains
- ensure the supply chain is free of forced or compulsory labour (applying the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015)
- provide decent jobs for inclusive economic growth in line with the International Labour Organisation’s core labour standards
UN Global Compact
The UK government works to promote, adopt and shape international standards and commitments on responsible business, which include the UN Global Compact (UNGC). This outlines 10 principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption based on:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
- Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
- United Nations Convention against Corruption.
You can join the UNGC and receive guidance and support to increase your responsible practices.
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2011) also provide recommendations for responsible business conduct.
This guidance is provided as part of the UK government’s Growth Gateway service.