Modern Slavery

1. Introduction

Hygge SHORES is committed to ensuring that modern slavery, human trafficking, and all forms of exploitation have no place in our operations or supply chain. As an online home decor company, we recognise the importance of upholding ethical labor practices and human rights across our business, and we are dedicated to preventing any involvement in modern slavery, whether directly or indirectly. This policy outlines our commitment to combat modern slavery and the steps we take to identify and address potential risks in our supply chain.

2. Commitment Statement

We are committed to conducting business with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (UK). We will not tolerate any form of modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chain or in any aspect of our business operations. Our goal is to work collaboratively with our suppliers and manufacturers to create a transparent and ethical supply chain that respects the rights and dignity of all workers.

3. Definition of Modern Slavery

For the purpose of this policy, modern slavery includes:

Slavery: The condition where individuals are forced to work under the threat of punishment or violence.
Servitude: The condition where individuals are coerced to work against their will and are unable to leave the situation.
Forced or Compulsory Labour: Any work or service performed under threat of penalty, that the individual has not voluntarily agreed to.
Human Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of individuals for the purpose of exploitation.

4. Supply Chain and Risk Assessment

We recognise that our supply chain is integral to the success of our business, and we understand the risks that may exist, especially in the context of suppliers and manufacturers. We have implemented a robust process for assessing and mitigating the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chain, including a commitment to working only with UK-based suppliers and manufacturers who meet our strict standards for labour practices and who are in full compliance with UK laws prohibiting modern slavery.

5. Employee Training and Awareness

We will ensure that our employees, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, are trained to recognise and respond to issues related to modern slavery. Our training program includes:

Awareness of Modern Slavery: Recognising the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Reporting Mechanisms: How to report any suspicions or concerns of modern slavery.
Ethical Practices: Ensuring that our employees understand the ethical standards we uphold and the importance of protecting human rights in our supply chain.

6. Corrective Actions

If modern slavery is detected within our supply chain, we will:

Take immediate action to address the situation, including working with the supplier to remedy the situation and protect any affected individuals.
Ensure that all individuals affected by modern slavery are provided with appropriate support, including legal assistance and access to social services.
Terminate relationships with any suppliers or manufacturers who do not comply with this policy and whose actions support modern slavery or human trafficking.

7. Monitoring and Compliance

We will monitor the implementation of this policy on an ongoing basis, including annual reviews of our policy to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in combating modern slavery.

8. Legal Compliance

We ensure full compliance with all relevant national and international laws, including:

Modern Slavery Act 2015 (UK)
Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015
Any other applicable laws governing labor rights and modern slavery in the UK.

We also encourage our suppliers to comply with all relevant national and international labour laws and regulations in their respective regions.

9. Conclusion

At Hygge SHORES, we are dedicated to maintaining a business environment free from modern slavery and exploitation. We are committed to continuously improving our processes and engaging with our suppliers to ensure ethical practices throughout our supply chain. We stand firm in our responsibility to protect the rights of all workers, and we will take all necessary steps to prevent modern slavery in our business and supply chain.