Modern Slavery

Ethical Trading Code of Conduct and Human Rights

Hames Chocolate Ltd is committed to ensuring good standards among its suppliers and engaging with the supply base to bring about improvement. Hames Chocolates Ltd will only work with reputable suppliers and manufacturers who are committed to working towards compliance with the conditions set out in this code. A process of self-evaluation, independent audit and training is in place to ensure that continuous improvement is made. 

1. Employment is freely chosen
 i. There is no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour. 
ii. Workers are not required to lodge "deposits" or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. 
 
2. Freedom Of Association And The Right To Collective Bargaining Are Respected 
i. Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. 
ii. The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.
iii. Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.  iv. Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining. 
 
3. Working Conditions Are Safe and Hygienic 
i. A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment. 
ii. Workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, and such training shall be repeated for new or reassigned workers. 
iii. Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. 
iv. Accommodation, where provided, shall be clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the workers.  v. A member of senior management shall assign responsibility for health and safety. 
 
4. Child Labour Shall Not Be Used 
i. There shall be no recruitment of child labour. 
ii. Where child labour is found, the employer shall develop or participate in and contribute to policies and programmes which provide for the transition of any child found to be performing child labour to enable her or him to attend and remain in quality education until no longer a child
iii. Children and young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions.
 iv. The policies and procedures relating to the employment of children shall conform to the provisions of the relevant ILO standards.