When the Modern Slavery Act was passed last year, it was a big win. It forces corporations to publish proof in formal statements that they’re acting to make sure supply chains aren’t tainted by modern slavery. 

SSE and Experian have been singled out by an independent report as dragging their heels and not doing enough to comply with the act. Incomplete information, criteria missed, and meagre statements are some of their failings. Let’s show them they can’t get away with this quietly. 

Huge energy companies like SSE are at real risk of modern slavery in oil and gas extraction, and Experian should be vigilant in outsourced goods and technology contracts. Both are hoping they can do the bare minimum and no one will notice. 

Modern slavery is abominable: these companies should want to follow the law and do their bit to eliminate it on their watch. Instead, they’re taking the quick, easy option and fobbing us off. Nice words and vague rhetoric isn’t enough. 

Some big companies are taking the regulations seriously: Marks and Spencer and SAB Miller are doing better. If these big corporations can do it, there’s no excuse for SSE and Experian shirking responsibility. 

SSE is a privatised public utility, and Experian operates internationally in 40 different countries. Both can afford to take modern slavery seriously, rather than treating the law as red-tape to dismiss. They think people won’t pick up on what’s happening - but we will. 

SSE and Experian -- take real steps to ensure your supply chains are free from modern slavery, and publish new statements. 

Making sure big corporations act on their social responsibility is what being a part of our SumOfUs community is all about. When Procter & Gamble, which owns Head and Shoulders and Gillette, was exposed for buying conflict palm oil from a company known for human trafficking, over 150,000 of us stood up to them. Now our shared campaign against modern slavery continues with SSE and Experian.