Tarmac is thought to be the first organisation in the highways sector to sign up to a public initiative aimed at eradicating modern slavery and labour exploitation.
The news comes after troubling research and analysis released this week sent a wake-up call to the construction sector, detailing evidence of labour exploitation and modern slavery.
Launched by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), the Construction Protocol is a joint agreement between the public body and some of the industry’s biggest organisations to prevent and protect workers from abusive or exploitative practices.
By signing up to the Protocol, construction companies, labour suppliers and contractors commit to working with the GLAA and the other partner organisations to ensure that employees are safeguarded against abuse and exploitation.
Dr Martyn Kenny, sustainability director, Tarmac, said: 'Raising awareness of labour exploitation to eradicate abuse and protect employees in the construction sector is critical, and supporting the GLAA’s Construction Protocol is part of our continuing commitment to helping the industry address this issue. Every industry must come together to eliminate modern slavery, and ensure safety and wellbeing of all workers.
'We look forward to working with the other organisations in the partnership to promote the cause, and we will be encouraging other employers in the sector to sign up.'
Roger Bannister, interim chief executive of the GLAA said: 'The signing of this protocol sends out a message that the construction industry is not prepared to sit back and allow itself to be infiltrated by those who trade people as a commodity and will take action to prevent labour exploitation.
'The GLAA is the enemy of illegitimate working practices and criminality, and a friend to legitimate businesses targeted by those who commit exploitation.'
Other signatories across the wider construction industry include Morgan Sindall, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and Willmott Dixon.
For more information on the Construction Protocol, visit: http://www.gla.gov.uk/i-am-a/i-use-workers/construction-protocol/
