The Start-Up Shop Modern Slavery Statement 2022 in Compliance with the Modern Salary Act 2015 (Ireland)
1. Introduction
At The Start-Up Shop, we are dedicated to enhancing our practices to combat modern slavery within our business and supply chains. We take measures, to the best of our ability, to ensure that our supply chains remain free from slavery and human trafficking. This statement outlines the actions we’ve taken during the financial year ending 30 June 2022 to identify and address potential modern slavery risks and to eradicate these risks.
2. The Significance of Combating Modern Slavery
Modern slavery involves the unlawful exploitation of individuals for personal gain. Forced labour affects over 40 million people globally, transcending backgrounds and demographics. As recently as 2019, the Irish government identified cases of potential victims of modern slavery in Ireland. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 was introduced in Ireland to combat slavery and human trafficking. You can find more information about the Modern Slavery Act on the relevant government website.
3. About Us
The Start-Up Shop is a leading provider of corporate services, offering services such as company secretarial services, company formation, address services, VAT and PAYE registration, and business telephony services. As part of a group with over 10 staff members across multiple locations, we prioritize Corporate Social Responsibility for the benefit of our employees and the broader community.
While our annual turnover is below the threshold requiring a mandatory modern slavery statement under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we choose to make this voluntary statement to underscore our commitment to ethical trading principles. We also aim to detail the steps we’re taking to identify and combat modern slavery and human trafficking risks in our business and supply chains.
4. Our Policies
Although we acknowledge that the risk of slavery and human trafficking in our industry is low and our supply chain is not extensive, our internal policies are designed to mitigate any potential risks. These policies include:
- Whistleblowing Policy: Our Company Handbook outlines the rights of employees to report concerns, including suspicions of slavery or human trafficking, to their line manager or senior management. Such concerns are escalated to the company’s Board for prompt action.
- Anti-Money Laundering: As a company services provider, we adhere to Money Laundering Regulations and are supervised by the relevant authorities for this purpose. We have implemented rigorous compliance and identity verification checks on all companies we serve to reduce the risk of money laundering.
- Anti-Bribery: We maintain a strict anti-bribery and corruption policy in line with relevant legislation.
- Equal Opportunities Statement: We are committed to promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in both our role as an employer and a service provider. Our Equal Opportunities Statement ensures equality and fairness in employment and service provision, free from discrimination based on various factors.
- Living Wage Foundation and Annual Cost of Living Adjustment: We proudly adhere to The Living Wage Foundation, ensuring that all our staff earn above the “Real Living Wage” set by the foundation. We also provide staff with an annual cost of living adjustment to match inflation.
- Environmental Responsibility: We actively seek to reduce our environmental impact and operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Wellbeing Solutions: We offer a range of programs to improve staff wellbeing, including Employee Assistance (with a 24/7 mental health helpline and free counselling for staff and their families) and other initiatives.
5. Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
As a provider of company services, our suppliers primarily consist of those delivering services in our offices (such as maintenance and cleaning) and those supporting our business (e.g., telecommunication suppliers and IT maintenance). We view any third parties representing us or providing goods and services as extensions of our business. Hence, we collaboratively ensure that they align with our ethical standards.
We exclusively engage reputable firms, including those with international standing. We cultivate long-term relationships with external parties, outlining our expectations from the beginning and maintaining regular communication throughout the relationship.
6. Training
7. Monitoring of This Policy
We understand that the nature of modern slavery evolves continually. We will periodically review this policy to ensure its effectiveness. If concerns arise through this policy, we will evaluate how they were addressed and, if necessary, take corrective action.
8. Our Performance
As of now, we are not aware of any instances of modern slavery in our business or supply chains.
9. Contact Us
We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions regarding our statement. Feel free to contact us at info@startupshop.ie. We are open to dialogue with all customers and stakeholders interested in this crucial topic.
10. Policy Approval
This voluntary slavery and human trafficking statement covers the financial year ending 30 June 2022 and was approved by the Director on 21 July 2022. This statement pertains to The Start-Up Shop Limited, a company registered in Ireland with the company registration number 531282, and with the registered office at S31 The Pottery, Bakers Point, Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland.