KnowTheChain releases its revised methodology for 2022-23 benchmarks
KnowTheChain’s monthly newsletter shares worker perspectives, the latest from the KnowTheChain team, and updates and resources on forced labor in supply chains in the business and human rights sphere.
From us
KnowTheChain has released its revised methodology and company lists for the 2022-23 round of benchmarks.
What Changed:
KnowTheChain has revised its methodology to ensure that the benchmarks focus on indicators which represent the key drivers of change. Changes include:
- Reduced focus and weight given to policies, and enhanced focus on implementation of processes, as well as outcomes for workers
- The weighting of indicators has been adjusted to give increased credit for disclosure demonstrating implementation and outcomes for workers
- Stakeholder engagement is integrated throughout the methodology, as opposed to having one single indicator focusing on stakeholder engagement
- Action on lower tiers has been integrated throughout the methodology
KnowTheChain is hosting a number of webinar sessions in May to take companies and interested parties through the methodology changes.
- Webinar one: 11 May: 08.30 PST/ 11.30 EDT/ 16.30 BST
- Webinar two: 12 May: 16.00 JST / 08:00 BST
From workers
A report from Amnesty International highlights the experiences of migrant workers in Qatar’s private security sector. The report draws on 59 interviews with security workers from eight private security companies along with documentary evidence and secondary data analysis. The report indicates that more than 85 percent of workers are frequently subjected to excessive working hours, over 80 percent are frequently denied rest days, 50 percent of companies underpaid workers for overtime work, and 50 percent of workers interviewed said that their employers made salary deductions as punishment for “misdemeanours.”
Forced labour: The latest developments
China ratifies two ILO conventions on forced labour ahead of a visit to the country by UN human rights chief.
In the UK, the NHS will be barred from using products linked to slavery and human trafficking under a new law planned to be voted on by parliament within the next week.
Charities in the UK demand that the government offer protection to Ukrainian workers, who arrived on seasonal work visas and are now undocumented, fleeing “modern slavery” conditions on farms.
The government of New Zealand has launched a consultation to seek feedback on a legislative response to worker exploitation, forced labour, modern slavery, and people trafficking.
For further news on forced labour in relation to business and human rights see the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre website. View past issues of our newsletter in our Newsletter Archive.