Portsmouth Water has issued a statement setting out its policy on anti-slavery and human trafficking, emphasising it has a zero-tolerance approach to slavery.

The statement says the water company is committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery is not taking place anywhere in its own business or in companies supplying it with goods and services.

The firm said its zero-tolerance approach to slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of any business relationship with them.

The statement says:

“We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners, and as part of our contracting processes, we include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children, and we expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.”

The policy applies to all persons working for the utility or on its behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, seconded workers, volunteers, agents, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.

Portsmouth Water’s Purchasing Manager has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing the policy within the supply chain, while the Head of Human Resources has primary and day to day responsibility for ensuring that the firm does not employ individuals who have arrived in the workplace as a result of human trafficking.

It could also terminate the relationship with other individuals and organisations working on its behalf if they breach the policy.