Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the "Act") and constitutes the slavery and human trafficking statement of Leprino Foods Ltd in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 2024.
This statement sets out the actions that Leprino Foods Ltd has undertaken to manage the risk of slavery and human trafficking from occurring within any part of Leprino Foods Ltd or our supply chain.
Leprino Foods Ltd recognises that such abusive practices are real and are perpetrated in a way that makes them difficult to detect. Constant vigilance is required to ensure that those working within Leprino Foods Ltd and our supply chain are safeguarded and protected from the potential of such abuse.
2024 continued to be a challenging year for our industry, a tight labour market, the cost of living crisis with high levels of inflation has impacted every aspect of our operation. Throughout this year we have focused on ensuring we have a range of supports to support our employees' Health, Safety and Well-being. We continued to offer a wide range of welfare measures and health benefits, as well as a substantial pay increase to protect employees and their families against the impact of the current economic situation. We have also partnered with the non-profit organisation, Stronger Together, to deliver training and information to our employees promoting fair work free from exploitation.
Our Business
We are a leading dairy business manufacturing in excess of 90,000 tonnes of mozzarella cheese which serves both restaurant and business to business sectors. We employ approximately 400 people across the UK. Our production facilities are located in Wales and Northern Ireland with our Head-office in Northwich, Cheshire.
Respecting Our Supply Chain
Our Commitment: To sustainably source all raw materials in line with the principles of ethical business set out in our Ethical Policy.
Our goal is to sustainably source the raw materials we use in our products. We follow the principles of ethical business as set out in our Ethical Policy and operate to the highest food quality and safety requirements.
Leprino Foods Ltd has a supply chain which spans procurement of materials, packaging, and transportation and services globally. However, the majority of our direct suppliers are based in the UK. We operate in accordance with our internal policies and procedures.
Leprino Foods Ltd requires its suppliers to adhere to internal policies and principles and to be compliant with local laws and regulations and specifically with all human rights, labour laws and health and safety regulations.
Our People
Leprino Foods Ltd policy is to comply fully with relevant employment laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates. Each site has responsibility to ensure that appropriate processes and controls are in place to ensure compliance and adherence with all relevant legislation.
Our people are fundamental to delivering success for Leprino Foods Ltd and we are committed to fostering a culture where our employees are respected, motivated, empowered and supported to perform to the best of their ability.
We source our labour either directly or through a registered agency-based labour provider. All those working within our business are treated equally and Leprino Foods Ltd are very proud of the role our employees play in the success of our business.
Human Rights
Consistent with our Policies and Procedures, we are committed to respecting human rights and treating people with dignity and respect. This commitment is grounded in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination and we require all our suppliers to be compliant with all human rights regulations.
Diversity and Inclusion
Creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture is important in everything we do. Through Policies and Procedures we ensure that every employee has the freedom to succeed regardless of age, status, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or any other attribute
Health and Safety
Health and safety is core in everything we do. We have achieved ISO45001 and continue to strive for a zero harm culture.
Our Policies
Leprino Foods Ltd is committed to a zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking and to acting with integrity in all its dealings, relationships and supply chain.
To ensure clarity on the ethical standards we require from every employee and supplier, there are a number of key policies which set out the requirements within our Company and also with those whom we do business, including;
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence Process
As part of our compliance with the policies referenced above, we take the following steps:
Leprino Foods Ltd are a registered member of SEDEX and use this platform to support the management of customer relationships and supply chain.
The company operates an independent and confidential whistleblowing hotline, which can be accessed by phone or website 24hours per day, 365 days per year. The hotline is promoted throughout the business on noticeboards and is included in the induction process.
Any contact with the hotline is immediately escalated to a trusted manager who will then initiate appropriate steps to investigate the complaint. Details are set out in our Speak Up Policy.
Effectiveness
Leprino Foods Ltd remains committed to ensuring that modern slavery issues do not occur within the business and the supply chain, which will continue to be a priority in 2025.
Signed by
Paul Vernon, Chief Executive
On behalf of Leprino Foods Ltd.
9th March 2025