Guidance

Responsible trade: why it matters for trading with the UK

The UK government encourages businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible and help defeat modern slavery in their supply chains.

Responsible business practices are good for business and society. Responsible businesses contribute to the resilience of economies and supply chains, and help solve society鈥檚 greatest challenges.

We seek to uphold human rights and economically empower underrepresented groups such as women and people with disabilities. This means businesses trading with the UK must:

  • not accept unethical practices in global supply chains
  • ensure the supply chain is free of forced or compulsory labour (applying the )
  • provide decent jobs for inclusive economic growth in line with the

UN Global Compact

The UK government works to promote, adopt and shape international standards and commitments on responsible business, which include the (UNGC). This outlines 10 principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption based on:

  • .

You can and receive guidance and support to increase your responsible practices.

The also provide recommendations for responsible business conduct.

This guidance is provided as part of the UK government鈥檚 Growth Gateway service.

Updates to this page

Published 20 May 2022

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