Standing Against Modern Slavery: Building an Ethical Future in Construction
18th October marked Anti-Slavery Day, a vital reminder that the fight against modern slavery is far from over. Across industries, including construction, exploitation and unethical labour practices still pose real risks hidden deep within complex global supply chains.
At LPL Construction Services, we believe Anti-Slavery Day is not only a time to raise awareness, but also to reaffirm our commitment to ethical responsibility, ensuring that every project we deliver is built on fairness, integrity, and respect for human rights.
Upholding ethical standards isn’t just part of our policy; it’s part of who we are.
Understanding the Challenge
Modern slavery is a global issue that continues to affect millions of people. Within the construction sector, risks can arise through multi-tiered subcontracting, temporary labour, overseas sourcing, or lack of transparency in employment practices.
As a leading UK contractor operating across aviation, healthcare, education, and public infrastructure, we understand that our responsibility extends far beyond compliance. It’s about ensuring that everyone involved in our business — whether directly employed or part of our extended supply chain — is treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Aligned with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, LPL Construction Services maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. We are committed to conducting all business operations ethically and with the utmost integrity, ensuring that exploitation has no place within our organisation or our supply chain.
Our anti-slavery framework includes:
- Leadership accountability – The Board of Directors holds ultimate responsibility for enforcing this policy, with the Compliance Director overseeing its day-to-day implementation.
- Supplier compliance – All subcontractors and consultants are required to adhere to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, verified through our PQQ process.
- Contractual integrity – Our contracts contain mandatory anti-slavery clauses, even for suppliers without equivalent policies, ensuring universal ethical standards.
- Employee training – Key personnel receive targeted training to identify and prevent risks of modern slavery or trafficking.
- Right-to-work verification – We conduct thorough checks to confirm all employees’
legal eligibility to work in the UK.
- Auditing and review – Ongoing audits help us monitor, assess, and enhance our effectiveness in mitigating risk.
- Confidential reporting – Our Whistleblowing Policy provides a safe, confidential route for employees and supply chain members to report any suspected wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
Beyond Compliance: Ethical Leadership in Practice
Our approach goes beyond meeting legislative requirements — it reflects our wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to operating ethically and sustainably.
We embed ethical awareness through regular training, transparent reporting, and responsible procurement practices. By partnering closely with suppliers and consultants, we promote shared values across the entire project lifecycle.
Our Social Development Goals (SDG) Report publicly outlines our annual progress, demonstrating accountability and driving continuous improvement. Ethical governance isn’t a checkbox for us — it’s a business imperative.
Encouraging People to Speak Up
Eliminating modern slavery starts with creating a culture where people feel safe to raise concerns. Our Whistleblowing Policy ensures that any individual — whether an employee, contractor, or partner — can confidentially report suspicions of unethical behaviour or exploitation.
If there is an immediate risk of harm, we encourage individuals to contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700), which offers 24/7 confidential support and translation services.
For independent advice, the Slave-Free Alliance provides additional assistance to anyone seeking guidance on modern slavery concerns.
Building a Fairer Future
On Anti-Slavery Day, we reaffirm our belief that ethical construction begins with responsible action. At LPL Construction Services, we’re proud to lead by example — ensuring that
every project we deliver is grounded in respect for people, transparency, and accountability.
Through our policies, partnerships, and shared commitment to doing the right thing, we’re helping to build a safer, fairer, and more ethical construction industry for all.
Learn more about our Modern Slavery Policy
