Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Limited Policy is to seek to purchase goods and services which:

Are produced and delivered under conditions that do not abuse or exploit any persons or the environment.
These considerations will form part of the evaluation and selection criteria for all goods and services purchased by Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd.

Purpose

• The purpose of the policy is to promote good labour and environmental standards in the supply chain of goods and services to our clients and protect Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd reputation.

Employment is freely chosen

• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected.
• Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.

Working conditions are safe

• A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, bearing in mind the knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards.
• Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health occurring in the course of work by minimizing the causes of hazards in the working environment.
• Workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training and training shall be made available for new workers.

Child Labour

• Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd believe that children under the age of 15 should not have to work for a living. All children should have the opportunity to be in full-time education and not be compelled to undertake activities that can affect their physical and/or mental development.
• Workers aged between 15 and 18 should not work at night or in hazardous conditions.
• If children are found to be working, the employer should provide appropriate remediation, which may include support to attend education.
• The supplier should have a clear policy for dealing with under-age workers, even if none are employed.
• Should any instance of child labour be identified, we would work closely with our suppliers to develop a sensitive and sustainable solution that puts the welfare of the child first.

Living wages are paid

• Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet, at a minimum, national legal standards or industry benchmarks, whichever is higher.
• Wages should always be high enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income.

Working hours are not excessive

• Working hours comply with national laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection.

No discrimination is practiced

• There is no discrimination practiced in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.

No inhumane treatment is allowed

• Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.

Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd expects suppliers to:

• Accept responsibility for labour and environmental conditions under which products are made and services provided. This includes all work contracted or sub-contracted and that conducted by home or other out-workers.
• Assign responsibility for implementing the policy to a senior manager.

Both parties will:

• Require the immediate cessation of serious breaches of the policy and if necessary the management representative has the authority to terminate the business relationship.
• Seek to ensure all employees are aware of their rights and involved in the decisions, which affect them.
• Avoid discriminating against enterprises in developing countries.
• Recognise official regulation and inspection of workplace standards, and the interests of legitimate trades unions and other representative organisations.
• Seek arbitration in the case of unresolved disputes.
• Ensure that all current labour standards are implemented and being adhered to and comply to country specific regulations.

Targets: Forms to be returned within four weeks and to meet with suppliers/representatives a minimum of once per year.

The Company is committed to continual improvement of our Ethical Purchasing Policy.