J.BENNETT (BILLINGSGATE) LIMITED/ J.BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED: MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2026 ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 54 OF THE MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015
Modern Slavery is a term used to encompass slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded and child labour and human trafficking. Human trafficking is where a person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person with a view to that person being exploited. Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. This statement sets out the steps that J Bennett (Billingsgate) Ltd has and is undertaking to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within its business or supply chain.
OUR BUSINESS, STRUCTURE AND SUPPLY CHAINS
J Bennett is a fish wholesalers that has been trading for over 100 years in the UK. The company operates from one location and employs on average 28 members of staff and at present deals with approximately 60 suppliers of fish, some of which it has had a close relationship with for many years. These suppliers are mainly based in the United Kingdom, EU and Norway, with a small amount of fish being imported from other countries outside the EU. Both the small size of J Bennett’s team and the location of our suppliers helps reduce the risk of modern slavery in the company.
OUR POLICIES
J.Bennett operates a policy of Zero tolerance and aims to fully comply with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The Company has employment policies in place and employment contracts in place that should adequately prevent employment of anyone involved in or affected by Modern Slavery.
DUE DILIGENCE AND RISK ASSESMENT
Within our own organisation all employees are employed directly by J Bennett, they are all paid at least the appropriate minimum wage, are not subjected to excessive working hours or unsafe conditions. All new employees are only employed once they have provided proof that they have the ‘right to work’ in the UK.
All staff are expected to report concerns and management are expected to act upon them.
All suppliers will be asked to complete an ‘Ethical Trade and Human Rights questionnaire’.
All the current and future suppliers of J.Bennett will I receive a company statement setting out J Bennett’s expectations and obligations with regard to the Company’s prohibition of modern slavery.
TRAINING
J Bennett’s Directors have been made aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will read and signed section 54 of the Act. To ensure a high level of understanding of the Risk of modern day slavery and human trafficking J Bennett has started to roll out training for all management staff.
OUR EFFECTIVENESS IN ELIMINATION MODERN SLAVERY
J.Bennett will terminate all business dealings with any unscrupulous suppliers shown not to follow the Modern Slavery Act 2015
Ralph Djehaich
DIRECTOR
