Hitachi Construction Machinery Ltd (or “HCMUK”) recognises the importance of identifying and preventing modern slavery and its causes in our business and supply chain. This statement, our fourth made under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, sets out the steps we have taken to address Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in our business and supply chain in the year to 31 March 2022.
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as harsh or inhumane treatment, slavery, corporal punishment, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, debt bonded and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
Hitachi Construction Machinery UK Ltd (HCMUK) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd in Japan, whilst being part of the Hitachi family, HCMUK operates solely in the United Kingdom from several locations. The company’s registered office being Unit 5 Monkton Business Park North, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, NE31 2JZ.
HCMUK is a Hitachi Excavator Dealer also offering after sales services including service, repairs, and replacement parts for Hitachi Excavators. Our head office at Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, UK Provides administration support to our fourteen depots throughout the UK and housing our main machinery operations centre. HCMUK employed 240 direct employees (as of 31st March 2022)
The company has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, conducting business ethically and to minimise the risk of slavery or human trafficking in our own business and in our supply chains as much as possible. We also strive to engage employees in understanding why addressing modern slavery is important and how to identify and act on indicators of slavery.
We recognise that slavery is not just an ethical and human rights issue, it is one of criminality and we understand that corruption is a key factor and driver of exploitation. As part of our corporate governance agenda, we continue to be committed to conducting business ethically and to minimising the risk of slavery or human trafficking in our own business or within our supply chain as much as possible.
The company has implemented Slavery & Human Trafficking and Human Rights policies aimed at preventing the use of any supplies or services within the organisation which do not conform within the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
In line with Hitachi’s global human rights approach to create a value chain where the human rights of all stakeholders are respected, HCMUK seeks to align with suppliers who actively address modern slavery regulations.
Our supply chain comprises of the importation of construction equipment and spare parts from Hitachi group companies located in the Netherlands and Japan. Sourcing local materials and the use of subcontractors for the purpose of manufacturing and maintenance of construction equipment and the delivery of services to our customers. We acknowledge that this is an ongoing process, and in common with other companies will face challenges. We collaborate with external stakeholders to overcome any challenges and to ensure that our Due Diligence process is effective.
Respecting human rights and environmental issues is at the forefront of our vision. All prospective suppliers and business partners are subject to our Business Partner Due Diligence process, which enables Hitachi Construction Machinery to assess the suitability of any companies who may supply products and/or services to us, and therefore become a part of our supply chain. The Company continues to work with current suppliers and business partners to ensure that the provision of goods and or services adheres to the company’s expected standards.
The Company’s Board of Directors have approved this policy. Managers of the company are required to act where concerns are received whether from inside or outside the business. All employees are made aware of the company’s Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy and the importance of complying with the requirements. To ensure proper understanding of the risks posed by modern slavery and human trafficking, the company aims to provide periodic face to face training and e-learning courses to all employees.
All current and new employees are given a copy of HCMUK Whistleblowing Policy and contact details for the Hitachi Group Global Alert Line, which is a confidential and anonymous helpline where employees can raise concerns which they feel they cannot within the company. Policies are available to company employees via company notice boards and intranet. All new & existing employees are educated regarding the company’s stance regarding Slavery & Human Trafficking this includes face to face training, electronic training, and discussion points during our induction process.
We have continued to update and strengthen our Business Partner Due Diligence process for all new and current suppliers, requiring each supplier to confirm their commitment to our business and ethical standards. Due Diligence assessment questionnaires were sent out to all existing suppliers, including communication regarding the company’s stance relating to Slavery and Human Trafficking and Child Labour. The company has been sourcing, and reviewing, various compliance related software packages to further strengthen the Due Diligence function.
We will continue to conduct annual risk assessments of our supply chain including any new partners and service providers. Policies and procedures will be renewed and updated when necessary. Our Learning and Development department will continue to produce, and source externally, where required, training programmes for new and current employees. This will include specific training on Slavery & Human Trafficking and Child Labour awareness. We aim to strengthen and improve the Business Partner Due Diligence function and are currently reviewing software packages to further improve the process. Furthermore, the Company will improve internal communication channels through the release of our updates via the company intranet and document management system.
We aim to conduct audits of Tier 1 suppliers to monitor and confirm their Compliance, Sustainability, Quality, Health & Safety, Legal and Social Responsibility requirements are in place and in line with the standards of HCMUK.
Should you believe or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred, or may occur, you must notify your line manager immediately or report it in accordance with our Whistleblowing Procedure or Hitachi Global Compliance Hotline as soon as possible.
This statement is approved by:
David Roberts
Chairman/CEO
Hitachi Construction Machinery UK Ltd
Monkton Business Park North, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, NE31 2JZ
