This statement has been published in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It sets out the steps taken by JBS Global (UK) Ltd for the 2022 calendar year to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its own business operations and supply chains.
Introduction
Modern slavery exploits millions of people globally, for the commercial or personal gain of the perpetrators. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to lure victims into trafficking situations against their will.
JBS Global (UK) Ltd has a zero-tolerance approach to both modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to implementing robust measures, to safeguard against any form of modern slavery or human trafficking within our company or our supply chains.
Due to the worldwide nature of our business, there are some potentially higher risk areas in our supply chains, particularly where the operations and management are out of our direct control. To mitigate these risks, we have built close, longstanding partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring integrity and transparency in our products and services. Most of these suppliers are within the JBS SA Group, which further strengthens the relationships and trust we have in our supply channels.
Key Focus Areas
In 2022, the third year of global disruption due to Coronavirus, we:
- Engaged with JBS Brazil and Australia, encouraging those businesses to join SEDEX and share their ethical and sustainability performance transparently.
- Continued Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking risk assessments on our UK and EU service providers, including transport and warehousing partners.
Business and Operational Structure
JBS Global (UK) Ltd is an importer and distributor of meat and meat products, established in Borehamwood, UK. We procure from JBS SA entities and other leading food businesses. Our suppliers are located predominantly in Australasia and North and South America. Our customers include retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers in the UK and EU.
We are wholly owned by our ultimate parent company, JBS SA, which is headquartered in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and which employs 250,000 colleagues globally.
- Operating in 30+ countries
- Employing 34 workers directly
- Working with more than 50 leading suppliers
- Serving over 400 customers in UK and EU
Governance Structure
- Commercial / Logistics teams procuring goods and services.
- Overseen by Commercial and Operations Directors
- Accountable to the Managing Director and Senior Management Team
Due Diligence
JBS Global (UK) Ltd conducts due diligence on existing and potential new suppliers of food and subcontracted services. Suppliers are assessed for their suitability, taking into consideration their own policies on modern slavery and human trafficking, working conditions for their staff and their reputation in their field.
The Commercial Directors and Operations Director oversee the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of our network of suppliers and service providers. This oversight is supported by the Managing Director and Senior Management Team, who are committed to using ethical and reputable partners in all facets of our business.
Responsible Recruitment
As an office-based distribution business using 3rd party logistics (3PL), our team of colleagues is relatively small and close-knit. We recruit new staff members for our offices directly, or via trusted recruitment consultants. Our Employee Handbook outlines expectations on both Employer and Employee, as well as Whistleblowing and Grievance procedures should they be required. JBS Global (UK) Ltd is an Equal Opportunities employer, with a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
Training and Awareness
Our approach to training and awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking is simple. All our staff are trained to understand what constitutes modern slavery and human trafficking, and on the areas in our supply chains that carry an element of risk of these occurring. This awareness enables JBS Global (UK) Ltd to:
- be risk-based in our decision-making,
- minimize the possibility of exposure to, and association with, the criminals involved in modern slavery and human trafficking,
- provide an opportunity for a better future for all of our team members.
Collaboration and Partnership Working
As a trading business, we are only as effective as our relationships with our suppliers, customers, and service providers. Our continued membership of SEDEX, as a tool to share information with partners, demonstrates our commitment to transparency and sustainability in our supply chains.
Authorised by
This statement was approved by the Board of JBS Global (UK) Ltd. – 4th January 2023
Nicholas Sherwood Managing Director