Addressing Human Rights Challenges in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is vital to global growth and yet the net-zero transition remains one of the least scrutinised for human rights. Its complex, opaque supply chains often lack transparency, enabling exploitative labour practices. Regulatory gaps and market pressures further erode safeguards for workers, while the industry’s push for sustainability risks overlooking human rights.
Addressing these challenges is a strategic business imperative. As investors, regulators, and consumers increasingly demand accountability on human rights, businesses that fail to act risk reputational damage, legal penalties, and loss of market access. Companies that lead on human rights and transparency in their supply chains gain a competitive edge, attracting investors and customers, and top talent. Aligning human rights with sustainability efforts can also unlock innovation, driving longer-term profitability and future-proofing operations in an evolving market landscape.
The UN Global Compact Network UK, in collaboration with Design for Freedom, is launching a webinar series spotlighting human rights challenges in construction supply chains. The series will explore solutions to enhance transparency, promote ethical sourcing, and ensure labour protections are embedded in the shift towards greener materials. Featuring industry leaders, policymakers, and human rights experts, these sessions will drive collaboration, showcase practical case studies, and empower stakeholders to set measurable goals for a just and sustainable transition.
Past Sessions
WEBINARS:
Hidden Labour Abuses in Construction Supply Chains
Tuesday, 2 December 14:00-15:30 GMT
This session unpacked how ethical procurement can be more than policy - how it can drive real change for workers at the sharpest end of global demand. It explored how construction firms can move from passive compliance to active accountability, ensuring that improvements reach the communities most affected.
Participants were challenged to look beyond material specifications and confront the governance failures that allow exploitation to persist.
This is not just about identifying risk, it’s about reshaping responsibility. Attendees will gain practical strategies for setting measurable goals, tracking progress, and reporting transparently.
Speakers:
Baroness Young of Hornsey
Crossbench Member of the UK House of Lords and Chair of the APPG on Just Transition in Construction
UK Parliament
Amar Lal
Child Rights Lawyer and Survivor Advocate
Just Rights
Mahendra Pandey
Director - Forced Labour and Human Trafficking
Humanity United
Eddie Tuttle
Director - Policy, Research and Public Affairs
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Vicky Brotherton
Head of Policy, Impact and Engagement
The Rights Lab, Nottingham University
Dale Turner
Director of Procurement and Supply Chain
Skanska
PAST SPEAKERS
Elaine Mitchel-Hill
International Lead
Design for Freedom
Dr Christopher Hackney
Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography
Newcastle University
EJ Allen
Lead Consultant - Modern Slavery & Human Rights
Action Sustainability
Dame Sara Thornton
Modern Slavery Consultant
CCLA
Jane Bristow
Construction: Strategic Suppliers
Cabinet Office
Pierre Bidaud
Creative Director
The Stone Masonry Company
Jordanne Smith
Group Compliance Manager
Kier Group
Stay Informed
- Modern Slavery in Construction (Unseen)
- Modern Slavery Risks in the UK Construction Sector (Unseen)
- Migrant Workers’ Rights in the Green Building Sector (Human Level)
- A Just Transition: Raising Workers’ Rights in the Built Environment’s Transformation (CityChangers)
- Human Rights Risks and Opportunities (IHRB)
- Project Blood Bricks (Project Blood Bricks)
Contact
For more information, please contact Tamika McAuley-Christopher, Social Sustainability Project Manager.
With thanks to:
