Modern Slavery Prevention Statement
Modern Slavery Prevention Statement 2019-2020
Wyke Farms Ltd.’s Modern Slavery Policy reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, and with respect to human rights. We have implemented systems and controls, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking or human labour exploitation anywhere in our company or in our supply chains and service providers. We endorse and adhere to the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, and we are committed to all the legal requirements of The Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement is supported by the Board of Directors, is reviewed in every financial year (1st April to 31st March) and can be viewed from a link on the home page of our company website.
Our Business Structure
Wyke Farms Ltd manufactures cheese, butter and liquid dairy products at the Head Office Site in Wyke Champflower, (Bruton/ Lamyatt), which also oversees operations of our Anaerobic Digester Plant. Cheese is matured and stored at our Wincanton site, from where it is cut, packed and distributed. As well as owning 3 local dairy farms, Wyke has contracts with other local dairy farms and buys additional milk and cream.
Our Company – Due Diligence
Wyke Farms Ltd has two designated Anti-Slavery Officers, based in Bruton and Wincanton respectively. Wyke makes appropriate checks on all employees and recruitment agencies to know who is working for, or on behalf of us. We ensure that employees are entitled to work in the UK, have the suitable documentation, that working hours are agreed and fair, and that wages received through official means. Both sites (Bruton / Lamyatt, and Wincanton) are members of Sedex. We welcome and co-operate with SMETA audits.
Milk Procurement – Due Diligence
We have contracts with approximately 120 dedicated dairy farms within the UK, the majority of which are based in the South West. The Milk Procurement team, who have received training, and is in close contact with all of our supplying farms on a regular basis, including through farm visits at least annually.
Every supplying farm must adhere to the Red Tractor Dairy Assurance Scheme standards, which contains a specific requirement that, where labour providers are used to supply temporary or permanent staff, a Gangmasters Licence must be held. External auditors visit each farm frequently to monitor conditions.
Our Suppliers / External Service Providers – Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
Wyke Farms understands the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of our supply chains, actively encourages transparency in them. Suppliers of goods and services to Wyke Farms are requested to supply us with a copy of their anti-slavery policy and statement as applicable, along with any other ethical policies they endorse, with priority given to first-tier suppliers. Supplier Questionnaires are sent out, and a supplementary questionnaire provides further information about their modern slavery prevention checks. It is a requirement that suppliers assess their business and supply chains and confirm that they comply with their legal obligations, in relation to The Modern Slavery Act 2015. They are required to show their commitment to ensuring there is no slavery, forced labour or servitude, child labour or human trafficking taking place in their business, or any of their supply chains.
Wyke Farms Ltd. conducts risk assessments on new and existing suppliers. Our checks prioritise the activities where our business can have the most impact. This extends to our supply chains, where milk, other ingredients and primary packaging suppliers are checked most frequently against success criteria. Any concerns or lack of information is reported to the Anti-Slavery Officers for further investigation. Findings are fed back to senior management through quarterly Management Review Meetings.
If a supplier is found to have slavery or human trafficking in their business, or knowingly in their supply chain, the company will terminate the contract with them.
Modern Slavery Prevention Statement Archive:
Modern Slavery Prevention Statement (2018-19)
