Marshalls, the UK's leading hard landscaping manufacturer, published its “End Modern Slavery” Report for 2019, an overview of the company’s efforts against modern slavery in its supply chains, including its current collaboration with IOM. The latter focuses on the protection of the rights of migrant workers.

In May 2019, Marshalls partnered with IOM to conduct an assessment of their operations in Viet Nam looking to gain a better understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking risks in the natural stone sector in the country. This activity involved site visits to Marshalls’ local supply chain production sites and research into the company’s operations, as well the wider sector. It focused particularly on determining which areas had the greatest risks of exploitation, as well as specific vulnerabilities of female and male workers, including migrants. 

The assessment will help design and implementat an action programme to prevent and eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking, contributing to Marshalls’ global commitment to address these risks. 

Mark Brown, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Sub-Office, IOM Viet Nam, mentioned that “IOM values the partnership with Marshalls and is ready to continue joint efforts with all local and international stakeholders towards a shared goal of ensuring ethical recruitment and decent work in business operations and supply chains. IOM believes that supply chain transparency and socially responsible labour practices will become increasingly important factors for the sustainable growth of export-oriented industries in Viet Nam.”

This Marshalls-IOM joint project is part of a wider set of collaborations the company is carrying out in Viet Nam. “Moving forward our aim is to work with multiple stakeholders in Vietnam; including the British Embassy, Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Natural Stone Association, IOM, ILO and others to promote and support international standards” said Chris Harrop OBE, Group Marketing and Sustainability Director. 

Marshalls’ “End Modern Slavery” Report 2019 is available here. 

For more information on Marshalls and related initiatives, please contact Elaine Mitchel-Hill, Business & Human Rights Lead: elaine.mitchel-hill[at]marshalls.co.uk