Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce issues its first Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Embargoed until 00:01 on 18th October 2019

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has launched its first ever ‘Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement’, to coincide with the UK’s Anti-Slavery Day.

Working in partnership with other anchor organisations, the Chamber is helping to establish Greater Manchester as a region which provides safe and decent working conditions, fair reward and protection from forced labour, modern slavery and harsh or inhumane treatment.

Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber, commented: “Our statement demonstrates our commitment to work with our members, partners and other organisations across the region to safeguard our businesses, residents and those at risk or in situations of modern slavery and human trafficking, making sure that this has no place in our communities.

“Although the issue of modern slavery has been getting more attention in government, business and the media, we know that the general public has little awareness of it. According to research undertaken by the Cooperative Group in 2017, 18% of people didn’t know what modern slavery is. Until this changes, modern slavery will remain ‘hidden in plain sight’. This is why the Chamber’s statement also includes awareness-raising activities as well as direct action it will take with its suppliers and others.”

Joy Sewart, Director of Skills and Social Enterprise Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “We’re focusing on raising awareness with our staff and members at first, as that’s where we can have most impact. But we’re also exploring opportunities to engage all businesses and communities in Greater Manchester.

“This is a major issue that is below the radar, isn’t spoken about enough and if left untackled will get worse. We can no longer stand by and not do anything about it.”

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Press contacts:

Simon Cronin, Member Communications Manager: 0161 393 4335 simon.cronin@gmchamber.co.uk


About Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce. Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking. The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations. The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.


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