This statement has been published in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (UK) which requires businesses to disclose publicly what steps they are taking to tackle modern slavery each year.
Our operation
Cutting-Edge UK Ltd sources, develops and distributes own label consumer goods direct from manufacturing origins. We trade through online channels direct to customers through various third party and own platforms and our products are available to buy in the UK directly.
We are committed to eradicating modern slavery – we will not tolerate or knowingly work with any suppliers domestic or international that are involved with any form of slavery including, but not limited to human trafficking and exploitation.
Our vision on paper
All new colleagues are required to read and accept the policies outlined in the corporate company handbook. The handbook provides our colleagues details of our key policies including Health & Safety, Code of Conduct, Pay & Benefits, Recruitment & Equal Opportunities, Bullying, Harassment & Anti-Bribery and Whistle-Blowing.
Our HR department will also look to implement some additional training to raise awareness of Modern Slavery and how to report it.
Global supply chain
We recognize that our biggest risk for modern slavery is in our global supply chain – our Partners are based throughout South Korea, Taiwan, China and EU. We operate agreed factory disclosure programs with our current & new suppliers.
All factories where Cutting-Edge UK Ltd final product is produced must attain an industry recognized Social Compliance audit that has been performed by a third party.
The social compliance audit must provide evidence that:
- There is no child labour (in accordance to the legal working age of that country)
- Employment is freely chosen and workers are able to have Freedom of Association
- Workers can give reasonable notice and leave without any repercussion
- Workers are not required to lodge deposits or their identity papers
- No excessive hours (in accordance to the legal working hours of that country)
- Any overtime is properly compensated and not excessive (in accordance to the legal working hours of that country)
- Workers are paid fairly and regularly (in accordance to the minimum set in that region / country / industry / etc.)
- No discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnicity, etc.
- Health & Safety regulations meet the national requirement
- Must be dated within the last 24 months
Cutting-Edge UK Ltd implement a new sourcing policy that requires all new factories supplying own label products must acknowledge the modern slavery statement and hold a third party social compliance audit or agree to work towards an audit within an agreed time frame.
Any suppliers that refuse will be given notice to exit and items will be resourced to compliant factories.
All suppliers must agree to factory visits for social compliance inspections / checks by our teams or approved third party representatives in country.
Continued improvements
We will take all reasonable measures to ensure that we implement our commitment as outlined above.
Signed:
Christopher Gottfried
Founder of Cutting-Edge UK Ltd