Modern Slavery Policy

Background
The Modern Day Slavery Act, effective in the UK since October 2015, addresses slavery and trafficking with stricter penalties and enhanced powers for law enforcement. It aims to combat an estimated 30 million enslaved individuals globally, with 68% in forced labor, and tackles the USD150 billion profit from this crime. Artizen Artisan maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and human trafficking and commits to compliance with the Act, applying its standards to employees, suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners.

  • Artizen Artisan does not allow any indirect benefits or contributions to Modern Slavery.
  • Artizen Artisan will not benefit from forced or involuntary labour, including prison, indentured, or bonded labour. All work must be voluntary, and workers can end their employment with notice, without penalty.
  • Artizen Artisan will not work with any Supplier, Subcontractor, or Service Provider that charges recruitment fees to workers. Workers should not pay any fees for recruitment.
  • Artizen Artisan will not work with Suppliers, Subcontractors, or Service Providers who hold workers’ identity documents or other important items, such as work permits or passports.
  • Artizen Artisan will not work with Suppliers, Subcontractors, or Service Providers that ask workers for deposits or bonds.
  • Artizen Artisan will only work with suppliers that provide written contracts outlining employee rights, responsibilities, working hours, salary, and other important conditions.
  • Artizen Artisan will not knowingly work with Suppliers, Subcontractors or Service Providers who carry out “Contract Substitution” (where the contract with the employee does not match the contract the worker signed with the agent in the home county or country.
  • All Suppliers, Subcontractors, or Service Providers to Artizen Artisan must provide a way for workers to safely and confidentially raise concerns.
  • Artizen Artisan opposes harsh or inhumane treatment. Disciplinary policies must be clearly defined and communicated to all workers, without including corporal punishment, physical coercion, or verbal abuse.
  • Artizen Artisan promotes workplace equality, regardless of nationality or legal status. All Suppliers, Subcontractors, or Service Providers must ensure workers are paid at least the minimum wage and are not forced to work more than the legal hours. Overtime must be voluntary unless agreed contractually and compensated.
  • Any supplier, subcontractor, or service provider to Artizen Artisan must ensure workers can move freely. Workers should not be confined to factory premises, and mandatory residence in employer-operated facilities is not a condition of employment.

All Suppliers, Sub-Contractors, and Service Providers must follow the labour policies in their Code of Conduct and show that they are taking steps to implement these policies. Artizen Artisan has the right to request compliance information and conduct audits with reasonable notice. After an audit, any non-compliance will be reported, and corrective actions will be specified. If corrective actions are not taken in a reasonable time, orders may be canceled and contracts terminated.