Modern Slavery & Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence in the UK

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner is leading the development of a proposal for Government on what Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (MHRDD) in the UK should look like. This work is being undertaken in close partnership with business, academia, international partners, parliamentarians, peers and civil society.

Context

IASC's Strategic Plan outlines the need for Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (MHRDD) in the UK. In 2025 to date, IASC has presented evidence on this issue before the Home Affairs Committee, the Business and Trade Committee, and the Joint Committee on Human Rights, as well as through broader parliamentary engagement.

The Government is now reviewing laws to strengthen supply chain transparency and combat forced labour. As international partners are refining and introducing MHRDD legislation, IASC is working to inform the Government on how MHRDD could be effectively implemented in the UK.

Scale & Urgency

Modern slavery is not only a human rights abuse trapping 50 million people worldwide, but also a serious economic crime that infiltrates global supply chains and is a business risk. It generates an estimated £175 billion in illegal profits annually, undermining ethical business practices and distorting fair competition.

Working with IASC on MHRDD in the UK

IASC will be holding a series of high-level meetings with senior business leaders and hosting parliamentary roundtables, conducting research interviews with technical experts in business and academia and working in partnership with civil society.

If you or your organisation would like to contribute to this work and stay informed about upcoming events and activity, please contact:

IASC@iasc.independent.gov.uk

Project News & Insights

02.06.25 - The Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner (IASC) writes to the CEOs of every FTSE100 company inviting them to engage in the development of the proposal for Government on what Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (MHRDD) in the UK should look like.

29.05.25 - IASC meets with the Canadian High Commissioner to discuss tackling forced labour and what we can learn from international partners on effective measures to encourage transparency and address exploitation in our supply chains.