UK to introduce human rights checks

The UK government will introduce a mandatory human rights due diligence system covering services across the entire United Kingdom and goods sold in Great Britain. The new requirements will apply to businesses with global annual revenue exceeding £350 million or UK-specific earnings surpassing that same amount.

Companies falling under this scope must identify and assess risks of human rights abuses and labor exploitation within their operations and supply chains, then implement corrective actions where necessary. The policy follows concerns that current forced-labor protections are disjointed, depend too heavily on voluntary compliance, and trail behind measures adopted by other G7 nations.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds outlined the approach in a written statement, noting that a government review revealed gaps in the existing framework. He stressed that the rollout should proceed in stages, targeting only firms large enough to handle supply-chain oversight effectively. The rules will follow international benchmarks, including the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Reynolds framed the changes as a balance between strictness and practicality, arguing that larger corporations, better positioned to address risks, should lead the effort. The focus will remain on real-world impact rather than bureaucratic hurdles, while aligning with global standards to prevent regulatory arbitrage by non-compliant exporters.

Under the new system, authorities will have the power to block or remove products linked to forced labor from Great Britain’s market. A dedicated regulator can investigate suspected violations, and if confirmed, mandate the withdrawal of affected goods. In Northern Ireland, the government will enforce the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation through the Windsor Framework, ensuring consistent enforcement across the UK.

A central online hub on GOV.UK will provide consolidated guidance, tools, and templates to help businesses, particularly those new to compliance, develop their due diligence processes. The government will also engage with industry stakeholders to refine the framework before finalizing legislation, with implementation set to begin as soon as parliamentary approval is secured.

The UK’s approach aims to close regulatory gaps while reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices.