Modern Slavery ACT Policy

Modern Slavery Act Policy

Policy overview

Our business, AG Axton & Sons (Wholesale) Ltd is committed to combating slavery and human trafficking in its business and supply chains, and we make this statement to assist with compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement relates to the financial year ending 31st August 2024.

As our business has a turnover of less than £36 million, we do not have a legal obligation to produce a modern slavery statement. However:

a.  We agree that exploitation within all supply chains ending in the UK is a blight on our society, and we are committed to playing our part in eliminating exploitation; and

b.  We understand that customers with obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 cannot comply with those duties without our cooperation.

To that end, we confirm that we have examined our own business and, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable, businesses within our supply chain and we confirm the following:

a.  We confirm that within our own business, no relevant offence relating to slavery or human tracking has been committed.

b. We have made enquiries of businesses that supply directly to us and we are confident that no relevant offence is committed in that business.

c.  Insofar as it was reasonably practicable, we have examined our supply chains and confirm that we found no evidence of slavery or human trafficking.

In the event that we do come across evidence of slavery or human trafficking in our supply chain, urgent steps will be taken to avoid any reoccurrences. Such steps include putting suppliers on notice that they could be removed from our supply chain if offences become persistent. It also includes the immediate removal of suppliers from our supply chain if a supplier should be grossly negligent or if they become persistent offenders. AG Axtons will keep the situation under review and will alter our supply chain wherever necessary.

The Business
A.G. Axton & Sons (Wholesale Limited) (the “Company”) is a company registered in England and Wales. It is a wholesale distribution company who stock and supply products. The product range includes fresh produce and dairy. They are distributed across the South of the UK who include schools and universities, NHS hospitals, care homes, restaurants and pubs. It is a family owned and managed business employing approximately 35 employees. There is a small management team who report into the managing director. We own and operate from our own premises in Swanmore, in the Meon Valley, in the heart of the Hampshire Countryside.

Zero Tolerance
The company recognize that Modern Slavery is a crime that can take many forms such as:
Slavery
Servitude
Forced and Compulsory Labour
Human Trafficking

The company has a zero-tolerance approach to Modern Slavery both within its’ own businesses and in its dealings with other organisations.

Suppliers
The Company is committed to working with its suppliers to build greater transparency within its supply chain. The Company itself commits to acting ethically and expects the same from its suppliers. As part of its contracting process the Company requires its supplier to commit and comply with all applicable laws and regulations including the Company’s policies. As and when required the Company conducts an appropriate level of due diligence on its suppliers. The Company would address any failure by a supplier to meet the Company’s standards on a case by case basis.

Organisations that fail to meet the Company’s standard may jeopardise their ability to continue to supply the business and ultimately the Company may cease trading with such suppliers.

Within the Company
The Company has strict HR Policies and standards to enshrine compliance with legislation and fundamental right to work including; Freedom of association, Dignity at work. Prevention of discrimination throughout employment The Company’s policies and standards are readily available to its staff through the Company’s internal email and notice boards.

Reporting
The Company actively encourages its employees to report any activity they believe to be unlawful and/or in breach of the Company policies and standards. All incidents can be reported to either a line manager or other senior member of the management team.

Responsibility and Review
The Company’s’ Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the implementation of the Company’s policies and procedures including those relating to ethical trading. The Company regularly reviews its policies and procedures with a view to ensuring transparency within its supply chains and that those whom the Company trades with are upholding the required legal and ethical standards.

Copyright © 2019 - A.G. Axton & Sons (Wholesale Limited). Registered in England. Company Registration No. 04631777