Focus takes a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking
We are committed to ensuring that they do not take place in our businesses and we take steps to ensure that they do not take place in our supply chains.
We are committed to eliminating acts of modern-day slavery and human trafficking within our business and from within our supply chains.
Our annual turnover is under £36 million and although we are not legally obliged to report on slavery and human trafficking, this statement is made in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and is our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2016.
As a UK-based organisation and as the leading provider of Furnishing and Services to the Social Housing Market for Over 25 years. Focus works primarily within the areas of furnishing, flooring window coverings and services. We consider the sectors in which we operate and our supply chains to be at lower risk of slavery as the majority of our furniture products are manufactured in the UK and appliances and carpet in Europe, we have strict internal guidelines in regards to souring suppliers as laid out in ISO14001. Since the UK’s Modern Slavery Act came into force in October 2015, we have reviewed and, where needed, updated our internal policies and supplier arrangements to confirm this.
Our supply chain
Our internal policies require clear arrangements to be put in place with all new suppliers, and our zero-tolerance approach is reflected within our due diligence processes and the standard terms that our suppliers must agree to. Geographically, our supply chains are predominantly based in the UK, with some suppliers operating from Poland, Germany and Ireland. Suppliers that operate within industries and/or countries with a higher risk of slavery and human trafficking (eg industries such as construction, domestic service, printing services and food suppliers) are subject to further due diligence and monitoring procedures.
Internal policies
Focus is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to paying everyone working on our premises, whether permanent staff or contractors, a higher minimum rate of pay than the current National Living wage set by the government.
We have communicated our zero-tolerance approach to all our colleagues and will continue to do so. We have also appointed an individual who is responsible for overseeing the communication of the anti-slavery and anti-human trafficking message, both within the organisation and within our supply chains.
Phillip Harvey
Partner – Focus Furnishing
