The tracker · United Kingdom
The 2015 transparency statement regime that started the disclosure era, now widely judged too weak by its own reviewers.
Government response to the Lords committee review keeps mandatory due diligence on the table without committing to it.
In plain language
Section 54 requires large commercial organisations to publish an annual statement describing steps taken to address modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, or to state that no steps were taken. There are no penalties beyond injunctive relief, and successive reviews, including the 2024 House of Lords committee report, concluded that the regime lags behind international peers.
Reform proposals, from mandatory content requirements to civil penalties and import controls on forced labour goods, have circulated for years without a legislative vehicle. The tracker follows both the statement regime as it operates today and the slow-burning reform debate.
Obligations
Covered organisations must publish a board-approved, director-signed statement on their website with a prominent link.
The statutory guidance recommends covering structure, policies, due diligence, risk assessment, effectiveness and training, though content remains formally optional.
Timeline
Act received Royal Assent.
Independent review recommended substantial strengthening of section 54.
House of Lords committee found the act no longer world-leading and urged due diligence legislation.
Government response and consultation kept reform options open without a bill.
Changelog
Reform debate status refreshed following ministerial statements.
Sources