In a step toward strengthening corporate accountability, Unseen has joined forces with 31 other organisations to call for a new ‘Business, Human Rights and Environment Act (BHREA)’.
This proposed reform would require businesses to take greater responsibility for their operations and supply chains, ensuring they prevent harm while safeguarding human rights and the environment.
Our call for change comes amid growing concern over the UK’s weak regulatory framework, which has allowed some companies to profit from harmful practices with little accountability. From sweatshops in Leicester to oil pollution in the Niger Delta and Uyghur forced labour, businesses owned or operating in the UK have been associated with a range of abuses—both at home and abroad.
The case for a new law: addressing gaps in the current UK legal system
The UK was one of the first countries to introduce a modern slavery law, yet it has fallen behind other countries in implementing comprehensive legislation that tackles corporate abuses. Existing laws, such as the 2015 Modern Slavery Act and the 2021 Environment Act, have been criticised for their limited scope and lack of enforcement.
For example, Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act relies on voluntary self-reporting for companies with an annual turnover of £36 million or more. There are no strong enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance. This means companies can legally submit weak or even empty statements, while those that fail to report face little to no consequences. As a result, businesses can still profit from forced labour with minimal accountability.
Meanwhile, international momentum for corporate accountability is growing. Countries like France, Germany, and Norway have already introduced stronger corporate due diligence laws, and the EU’s CSDDD is setting higher compliance standards.
Currently, the UK has a responsibility to uphold its commitments under key international frameworks, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
These frameworks outline clear expectations for businesses to respect human rights and the environment—yet, without a legally binding mechanism, many UK companies fall short of these standards.
Without aligning legislation on robust mandatory due diligence requirements, the UK enables a patchwork of obligations that increases the compliance burden on businesses rather than providing unified standards.
As Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen, explains:
“Right now, an estimated 28 million people globally are in situations of forced labour, many working in supply chains that fuel our economy.
“The UK urgently needs a Business, Human Rights, and Environment Act to hold companies accountable for their impact on people and the planet. Too many businesses profit from weak laws that allow human rights abuses and environmental harm to go unchecked.
“We, alongside other organisations, are calling for this new law to close regulatory gaps by setting clear, enforceable obligations for businesses to prevent harm across their operations and supply chains.
The UK has an opportunity to lead the way in creating a fairer, more sustainable global economy—but more action is needed now.”
How a business, human rights, and environment act would create a level playing field
This weak regulatory framework is not only failing workers and communities but also putting responsible businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Companies that take proactive steps to operate ethically are often undercut by those that ignore human rights and environmental risks.
More telling, a clear majority of surveyed UK businesses support stronger regulation:
- 61% of surveyed business leaders say the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) encourages them to invest or increase investment in the EU.
- Over 75% of businesses believe current UK laws lack clarity on human rights obligations.
- More than 68% of businesses say UK laws fail to provide sufficient legal certainty.
- Nearly three-quarters of UK businesses think additional regulation would provide benefits, including greater legal certainty, a level playing field, and facilitating leverage with suppliers.
Smaller UK businesses supplying to EU companies within scope of the CSDDD will soon be required by their buyers to fall in line and conduct required due diligence. Without decisive action, the UK risks disadvantaging responsible businesses while becoming a “safe haven” for those that avoid more stringent accountability measures elsewhere.
A Business, Human Rights, and Environment Act would provide legal certainty, enhance the UK’s global reputation, and demonstrate a commitment to upholding international human rights law. It would ensure the UK remains competitive by aligning its legal framework with progressive global developments and delivering a world-leading British model for corporate accountability.
Key recommendations for a new business, human rights, and environment act
Our call for a BHREA would introduce several key changes to ensure businesses are held accountable for their actions. Here are some of the recommendations included in the briefing:
- Introduce a duty to prevent harm: Require all businesses and the public sector to take all reasonable steps to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm in their operations, subsidiaries, and supply chains. This includes conducting regular human rights and environmental due diligence in line with international standards.
- Adopt the ‘Failure to prevent’ model: Modeled after the 2010 Bribery Act, this provision would place the burden of proof on businesses. If harm is caused, businesses would have to prove they took reasonable steps to prevent it. Failure to do so could result in civil, administrative, or criminal liability.
- Ensure inclusive engagement: The government must consult with affected communities, civil society, trade unions, and other stakeholders during the design and implementation of the law. This ensures that the voices of those impacted by corporate abuse are heard.
Strong public support for a proposed business, human rights and environment act
The call for a new law is backed by a broad coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, businesses, investors, and individuals. More than 126,000 people have signed a petition demanding that MPs take action to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm in business supply chains.
Polling also shows strong public support for the idea. YouGov research indicates that nearly four in five Britons are in favor of a new law that would prevent exploitative practices and environmental destruction in corporate supply chains.
What’s next?
The case for the BHREA has never been clearer. With widespread cross-sector support, it’s time for Parliament to take action. The proposed reform offers a path forward—one that strengthens corporate accountability and ensures that businesses operating in the UK respect human rights and the environment, both at home and abroad.
Read a deep dive into the briefing below.
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