Our Polices
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
What this policy covers
This policy applies to employees, workers and contractors.
The Company recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing a working environment that is free from discrimination.
The Company will seek to promote the principles of equality and diversity in all its dealings with employees, workers, job applicants, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors, recruitment agencies and the public.
Everyone who acts on the Company's behalf are required to adhere to this policy when undertaking their duties or when representing the Company in any other guise
Your entitlements and responsibilities
Unlawful discrimination
Unlawful discrimination of any kind in the working environment will not be tolerated and the Company will take all necessary action to prevent its occurrence.
Specifically, the Company aims to ensure that no employee, worker or job applicant is subject to unlawful discrimination, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, race (including colour, nationality, caste and ethnic origin), disability, sexual orientation, marital status, part-time status, pregnancy or maternity, age, religion or belief, political belief or affiliation or trade union membership. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including:
· recruitment and selection, including advertisements, job descriptions, interview and selection procedures
· training
· promotion and career-development opportunities
· terms and conditions of employment, and access to employment-related benefits and facilities
· grievance handling and the application of disciplinary procedures
· selection for redundancy
Equal opportunities practice is developing constantly as social attitudes and legislation change. The Company will review all policies and implement necessary changes where these could improve equality of opportunity.
Career development
While positive measures may be taken to encourage under-represented groups to apply for employment opportunities, recruitment or promotion to all jobs will be based solely on merit. Everyone will have equal access to training and other career-development opportunities appropriate to their experience and abilities.
However, the Company will take appropriate positive action measures (as permitted by equal opportunities legislation) to provide specialist training and support for groups that are under-represented in the workforce and encourage them to take up training and career-development opportunities.
Procedure
Complaints of discrimination
The Company will treat seriously all complaints of discrimination made by employees, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors or other third parties and will take action where appropriate.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you are encouraged to raise the matter as soon as possible with your manager or other senior manager using the Company's Grievance Procedure (outlined elsewhere in the Employee Handbook).
Allegations regarding potential breaches of this policy will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly. If you make an allegation of discrimination, the Company is committed to ensuring that you are protected from victimisation, harassment or less favourable treatment. Any such incidents will be dealt with under the Company's Disciplinary Procedures.
Investigating accusations of unlawful discrimination
If you are accused of unlawful discrimination, the Company will investigate the matter fully.
During the course of the investigation, you will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation and provide an explanation of your actions.
If the investigation concludes that the claim is false or malicious, the complainant may be subject to disciplinary action.
If the investigation concludes that your actions amount to unlawful discrimination, you will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal without notice for gross misconduct.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
The Company may carry out monitoring for the purposes of measuring the effectiveness of its equal opportunities and diversity policy.
ANTI -SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY
Policy Statement
Modern slavery is a crime resulting in an abhorrent abuse of the human rights of vulnerable workers. It can take various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.
George Anderson and Sons has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity and transparency in all of its business dealings and relationships to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place anywhere within either its own business or in any of its supply chains.
George Anderson and Sons also expects the same high standards from all of its suppliers, contractors and other business partners.
George Anderson and Sons accepts that it has a responsibility through its due diligence processes to ensure that workers are not being exploited, that they are safe and that relevant employment, health and safety and human rights laws and standards are being adhered to, including freedom of movement and communications.
The Company’s zero tolerance approach to modern slavery is communicated to all suppliers.
