# UK to Introduce Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence Law for Large Businesses New legislation mandates large firms to identify and address forced labour in supply chains. - **Source:** [edie](https://www.edie.net) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e68f4c23-6314-4cd6-aa8a-5ea0a5ad9026 ## New Mandatory Compliance Regime The UK Government is set to implement mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for large corporations. This legislation targets businesses with a global turnover exceeding £350 million. It aims to replace fragmented voluntary reporting with a structured framework, requiring firms to actively identify and mitigate risks of labour exploitation within their global operations. ## Regulatory Powers and Enforcement The proposed regime grants a regulator authority to investigate suspected cases of forced labour. Authorities will have the power to order the withdrawal of goods from the Great Britain market if companies fail to meet their due diligence obligations. This shift moves beyond mere transparency, focusing on substantive action and market-based enforcement mechanisms. ## Scope and Regional Variations The new rules apply to services across the UK and goods sold within Great Britain. However, Northern Ireland will follow a different path, applying the EU Forced Labour Regulation under the existing Windsor Framework. This creates a distinct regulatory landscape for businesses operating across different parts of the United Kingdom’s internal market. ## Shortcomings of Previous Legislation Research from Hult International Business School highlights the limitations of the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. While 87% of managers believe modern slavery persists in their value chains, 73% argue the current law focuses too heavily on reporting. Most respondents agree that mandatory due diligence is essential to drive meaningful corporate change and accountability. ## Industry Support and Expectations Corporate leaders and advocacy groups generally welcome the move toward clearer, stronger rules. Experts suggest that standardized requirements will raise the bar for all industries, preventing companies from profiting through exploitation. The government plans to support this transition by establishing a centralized guidance hub to assist businesses in implementing these new requirements. ## Calls for Environmental Inclusion While human rights groups support the legislation, some organizations express concern over the exclusion of environmental due diligence. Campaigners argue that climate-related risks, such as droughts and floods, directly threaten supply chain resilience and food security. They urge the government to expand the scope to ensure comprehensive corporate accountability for environmental impacts. ## Advocacy for Unified Standards Anti-Slavery International emphasizes that voluntary efforts have historically failed to protect workers. They advocate for a comprehensive Business, Human Rights and Environment Act that applies uniformly across the entire UK. Critics remain concerned that the current split between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could create loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of import controls. ## Future Legislative Timeline The government intends to develop these proposals in consultation with stakeholders before introducing the measures to Parliament. No specific date has been set, as the timeline depends on parliamentary availability. This legislation represents a significant shift in the UK's Responsible Business Conduct Framework, aiming to prioritize ethical trade over previous voluntary standards. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.edie.net/uk-to-introduce-mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-law-for-large-businesses/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._