Government responds to reports in The Diplomat on 14 September, of the alleged use of forced labour in Malaysian disposable glove factories and to questions about what due diligence the Department of Health carried out in relation to the use of forced labour before purchasing disposable gloves from Malaysian companies
https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/debt-bondage-payouts-flow-to-workers-in-malaysias-glove-industry/
Earlier report by The Guardian:
Lord Kamall, the Department of Health and Social Care, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL2683):
Question:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to reports in The Diplomat on 14 September, what assessment they have made of the alleged use of forced labour in Malaysian disposable glove factories; and what due diligence they carried out in relation to the use of forced labour before purchasing disposable gloves from Malaysian companies earlier this year. (HL2683)
Tabled on: 14 September 2021
Answer:
Lord Kamall:
To date, there have been no substantiated allegations of modern slavery in relation to a Departmental supplier. All the suppliers on our current gloves framework are registered and have been asked to complete a Modern Slavery Assessment and a Labour Standards Assessment.
Due diligence is carried out for all Government contracts and we expect all National Health Service suppliers to follow the highest legal and ethical standards. Public sector contracting authorities are advised on how to assess suppliers to mitigate the risk of modern slavery. Contracts are placed in line with Departmental terms and conditions which include clauses requiring Good Industry Practice to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in supply chains. Suppliers appointed to NHS Supply Chain frameworks must comply with the Labour Standards Assurance System or they can be removed from consideration for future opportunities.
Date and time of answer: 07 Oct 2021 at 13:26.
