Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery :

Atkins Modern Slavery Statement

Atkins is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and transparently. We oppose all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation in our operations and throughout our supply chain.

This statement outlines the steps Atkins takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business activities and supply networks. We are committed to maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability across all areas of our organisation.

Our Commitment

Atkins maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and related unethical practices, including:

  • Forced or compulsory labour
  • Human trafficking
  • Child labour
  • Debt bondage
  • Exploitative labour practices
  • Withholding of identity or travel documents
  • Any form of coercion, abuse, or worker exploitation

We comply with all applicable modern slavery legislation and expect the same standards from our employees, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and business partners.

Our Workforce

Atkins is committed to fair and ethical employment practices. We ensure that:

  • All employment is freely chosen
  • Workers are free to leave employment after reasonable notice
  • No recruitment or placement fees are charged to workers
  • Employees receive fair wages and safe working conditions
  • Workers retain access to their personal identification documents
  • Employment terms are clearly communicated through written contracts in a language understood by the worker

We are committed to treating all employees, contractors, and workers with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Supply Chain Standards

We recognise that the construction, engineering, and services sectors can involve complex supply chains and subcontracting arrangements. To address these risks, Atkins requires suppliers and contractors to:

  • Comply with Atkins’s Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking requirements
  • Operate in accordance with all applicable labour and employment laws
  • Demonstrate ethical recruitment and employment practices
  • Avoid engaging subcontractors or labour providers involved in exploitative practices
  • Provide transparency and supporting information where requested, including participation in audits or compliance assessments

Where unethical labour practices are identified, Atkins reserves the right to terminate supplier or contractor relationships.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

Atkins undertakes risk-based due diligence processes to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks across our operations and supply chain. These measures may include:

  • Assessing suppliers operating in high-risk sectors or geographic regions
  • Monitoring labour-intensive subcontracting arrangements
  • Conducting checks on recruitment and labour hire agencies
  • Reviewing labour practices during operational and site inspections
  • Investigating reported concerns or allegations promptly and appropriately

Where risks or non-compliance are identified, corrective actions are implemented as a priority.

Reporting Concerns

Atkins encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders to report any concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices.

Concerns may include:

  • Suspected forced labour or exploitation
  • Unethical recruitment practices
  • Workers appearing under coercion or distress
  • Confiscation of passports or identity documents
  • Suspicious subcontracting or labour hire activities

Reports may be made through management channels, Human Resources, Compliance personnel, or confidential reporting mechanisms where available.

Atkins prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises a concern in good faith.

Training and Awareness

Atkins provides training and awareness programmes to help employees understand:

  • The indicators and risks of modern slavery
  • Reporting obligations and escalation procedures
  • Responsibilities of managers and supervisors
  • Ethical expectations relating to suppliers and subcontractors

Enhanced training is provided to employees in higher-risk roles, including procurement, site management, and subcontractor oversight.

Continuous Improvement

Atkins is committed to continuously improving its approach to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. We regularly review our policies, due diligence procedures, training programmes, and supply chain controls to ensure ongoing effectiveness and compliance with evolving legislation and best practice standards.