Sika UK - Anti-slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the Financial Year 2022

Introduction
As part of the Construction industry, Sika UK recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.
Sika UK is proud of the steps we have taken to combat slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains.
Sika Group has signed and adheres to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.

Organisational Structure and Supply Chain

This statement covers the activities of Sika Limited, Everbuild Building Products Limited, Incorez Limited and Enewall Limited as entities operating for Sika in the UK [“Sika UK”]:

  • Sika UK is subsidiary of Sika Group, specialising in the manufacture and supply of chemical basedproducts for construction and industry [specifically the provision of market-leading solutions forconcrete, waterproofing, roofing, flooring, refurbishment, sealing & bonding, and industry withmanufacturing sites in Welwyn Garden City, Preston, Leeds and Wishaw]
    • Sika UK supply chain is generally split between UK and main land Europe for raw materials and packaging and the far east for traded products e.g. adhesives and floor coverings.
       
Countries of Operation and Supply

Sika UK is primarily focused on domestic markets but also exports goods as part of its inter-company business structure.  

Responsibility

Responsibility for Sika UK’s anti-slavery and human trafficking initiatives is as follows:

  • Policies: The UK management team, supported by the local HR function, are responsible for implementing and reviewing policies. Such policies are developed in compliance with Sika Group policy and local legislation.
  • lnvestigations/due diligence: The UK management team, supported by the local HR function, are responsible for investigations and due diligence in relation to known or suspected instances of slavery and human trafficking in the UK. Where this is not feasible or effective issues can be escalated to regional management and, further, to the Sika Group Compliance Officer and Compliance Team. This hierarchy is responsible for managing compliance issues including EHS and HR violations.
  • Training: The UK management team and wider UK management function are trained in leadership, the foundation of which is built on Sika’s Values & Principles. All employees are trained to understand and comply with Sika’s Code of Conduct and understand how to report a breach, should a breach be identified.

Relevant Policies
Sika UK operates the following Sika Group policies that describe, amongst others, its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken in the UK:

Sika Values and Principles
Research Adhesives

Sika Group’s values and principles makes clear to managers the importance of trust with a focus on sustainability and integrity.

Sika Code of Conduct
Sika limited construction products

Sika Group's code of conduct makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. Sika Group strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain. The code applies to all employees employed by Sika UK.

Sika Trust Policy

Sika UK supports and fosters a culture of zero tolerance to serious misconduct in all of its business activities. All employees are encouraged to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, Sika Group. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. Sika Group's reporting procedure is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.  

Supplier Code of Conduct

Sika Group is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers are required to confirm that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour. The organisation works with suppliers to ensure that they meet the standards of the code and improve their worker's working conditions.  

Recruitment Policy

Sika Group uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.  

Equal Opportunities/Dignity at Work Policy

Sika Group strives to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Disciplinary Policy

Sika Group encourages all employees to achieve and maintain satisfactory standards of conduct and has programs to remediate breaches.

Due Diligence

Sika UK undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. Sika UK:

  • evaluates potential suppliers before they enter the supply chain; and
  • conducts supplier audits covering EHS and social elements looking to assure the protection of human rights
     
Training

Sika UK senior management, supply chain managers and HR professionals have undertaken and completed training on modern slavery. As an output of this training Sika UK continues to develop its processes in support of due diligence and Sika Group policies.

Board Approval
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Sika UK’s anti-slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending December 2022.

This statement has been approved by Sika UK’s board of directors, who will review and update it annually.

Sika UK modern slavery statement

Daniel Lang
Head of Finance and Controlling
EMEA Region