We are committed to ensuring a high standard of ethical and environmental practices and believe that we have a responsibility to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour and care. We recognise that our business activities have the potential to impact our key stakeholders and therefore they have the right to expect high standards in what we do. This policy has been published in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and it sets out steps taken by Smales to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its business.
Smales operates with honesty and integrity wherever it does business around the world. We respect human rights and actively promote fair labour practices in our supply chain. This statements sets out our commitment and the actions we have taken to mitigate the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations.
The general provisions of the policy apply to:-
All employment with Smales is freely chosen. Colleagues must not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with us and colleagues are free to leave the business after reasonable notice.
Smales are committed to training its employees to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
All colleagues must have reached the age of 18, or have reached the minimum legal working age under national law, whichever is the higher.
Colleagues have the right to join a recognised trade union and to organise collective bargaining in a lawful and peaceful manner and should not be discriminated against for being engaged in lawful trade union activities.
All colleagues are entitled to a safe, hygienic working environment and working conditions will meet with all National Health and Safety Laws and standards. Smales takes all adequate measures to prevent accidents and minimise potential hazards and all colleagues receive regular Health & Safety training which is recorded in writing.
All Health and Safety Policies are written and published on notice boards, copies are also available from the Site Health & Safety Office.
There is no discrimination in pay, hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion and termination of employment on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
Opportunities for personal and career development are equally available to all Smales colleagues.
Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation are strictly prohibited.
Rates of pay comply with legislation regulating employment, hours of work and pay including minimum wage, national living wage, allowances and benefits are comparable in relation to similar jobs in our market place;
Normal working hours do not exceed 48 hours per week, (excluding overtime);
Colleagues must not be required to work excessive hours and may not ordinarily and regularly work more than 60* hours per week, including overtime. Whilst contracts will normally provide for at least 2 days off per week, all colleagues are entitled as a minimum, to take at least one day off in each 7 days period. Overtime must be strictly voluntary and paid for at a premium rate.
(*However these levels may be exceeded on a short-term basis (several days) where it can be demonstrated that exceptional circumstances apply, such as unexpected production periods or emergencies).
Colleagues are provided with written terms and conditions of employment that provides details of the employment relationship and the respective obligations of both the employer and employee. Such as; rates of pay, working hours, grievance and disciplinary procedures, holiday entitlement, absence and sick pay rules and notice periods for termination of employment;
No deductions are to be made from wages as a disciplinary measure and an individual pay slip detailing the lawful deductions is provided for every pay period.
All employment agencies contracted to supply temporary workers must demonstrate a commitment to and the application of the requirements of this code.
They must ensure that all temporary workers supplied to Smales are eligible to work in the UK, subject to the rules laid down by the UK Border Agency. In addition agencies must ensure that all temporary workers supplied to Smales possess a sufficient command of the English language to understand:
Smales Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements.
Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.