Posted: 23/10/2015
Penningtons Manches employment partner Chris Syder was invited to speak as a panellist on behalf of the CBI and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) at the ILO’s '50 for Freedom' event which took place in London on 21 October.
The event celebrated the launch of the ILO’s global platform to inspire people around the world to join the campaign which is led by the ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation and the IOE. The aim is to mobilise public support as part of the push to get at least 50 countries to ratify its new forced labour protocol by 2018. With a focus on ending modern slavery in UK supply chains, the CBI alongside the Government, OECD, IOE and ILO are working to help businesses operating internationally respond to increasing human rights requirements.
Chris spoke about the challenges for businesses engaging in due diligence concerning the eradication of modern slavery in their supply chains. He also explained the role of employer organisations in lobbying governments in the ILO to improve the rule of law in combatting this human rights violation.
The CBI’s representative on the IOE’s management board, Chris also represents the CBI on the governing body of the ILO and in so doing is the Employer Vice-Chairperson in the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association.