Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This statement sets out the actions that Glanbia Cheese EU Limited has undertaken to manage the risk of slavery and human trafficking from occurring within any part of Glanbia Cheese EU Limited or our supply chain.

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited recognizes that such abusive practices are real and are perpetrated in a way that makes them difficult to detect. Constant vigilance is required to ensure that those working within Glanbia Cheese EU Limited and our supply chain are safeguarded and protected from the potential of such abuse.

2020 has been particularly challenging year for our industry, with Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic impacting every aspect of our operation. During this time the Health, Safety and Well-being of every employee has been of paramount importance to Glanbia Cheese EU Limited, with the introduction of a range of governance protocols to protect employees and the business. We also introduced a range of enhanced payments and welfare measures aimed at ensuring employees directly impacted by the pandemic are protected during this time of crisis.

Our Business

We are a leading dairy business manufacturing in excess of 90,000 tonnes of mozzarella cheese which serves both restaurant and business to business sectors.  We employ approximately 380 people across the UK.  Our production facilities are located in Wales and Northern Ireland with our Head-office in Northwich.  We have two key stakeholders, Glanbia Plc and Leprino Foods.

Respecting Our Supply Chain

Our Vision:  To sustainably source all raw materials in line with the principles of ethical business set out both in our Ethical Policy and in accordance with Glanbia Plc’s Code of Conduct.

Our goal is to sustainably source the raw materials we use in our products.  We follow the principles of ethical business as set out in our Ethical Policy and in accordance with Glanbia Plc’s Code of Conduct and operate to the highest food quality and safety requirements.

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited has a supply chain which spans procurement of materials, packaging, transportation and services globally.  However, the majority of our direct suppliers are based in the UK.  We operate in accordance with our internal policies and procedures and within the principles of Glanbia Plc’s Procurement Policy.

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited requires its suppliers to adhere to internal policies and principles and to be compliant with local laws and regulations and specifically with all human rights, labour laws and health and safety regulations.

Our People

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited policy is to comply fully with relevant employment laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates.  Each site has responsibility to ensure that appropriate processes and controls are in place to ensure compliance and adherence with all relevant legislation.

Our people are fundamental to delivering success for Glanbia Cheese EU Limited and we are committed to fostering a culture where our employees are respected, motivated, empowered and supported to perform to the best of their ability.

We source our labour either directly or through a registered agency-based labour provider. All those working within our business are treated equally and Glanbia Cheese EU Limited are very proud of the role they play in the success of our business.

Human Rights

Consistent with our Policies and Procedures, we are committed to respecting human rights and treating people with dignity and respect.  This commitment is grounded in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination and we require all our suppliers to be compliant with all human rights regulations.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture is important in everything we do.  Through Policies and Procedures we ensure that every employee has the freedom to succeed regardless of ages, status, gender, ethnicity, religion or any other attribute.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is core in everything we do.  We have achieved ISO45000 and continue to strive for a zero harm culture.

Our Policies

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited is committed to a zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking and to acting with integrity in all its dealings, relationships and supply chain.

To ensure clarity on the ethical standards we require from every employee and supplier, there are a number of key policies which set out the requirements within our Company and also with those whom we do business, including;

• Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
• Ethical Policy
• Glanbia Plc’s Code of Conduct
• Glanbia Plc’s Procurement Policy

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence Process

As part of our compliance with the policies referenced above, we take the following steps:

• Annual independent audit of each manufacturing site through the Glanbia Risk Management Process;
• Assess and monitor potential risks through our supply chain;
• An approval process is in place which requires visibility and review of supplier’s own Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
• Facilitate, without fear or recrimination, our people to report any concerns in relation to slavery and human trafficking with the business or supply chain.

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited are a registered member of SEDEX and use this platform to support the management of customer relationships and supply chain.

The company operates an independent and confidential whistleblowing hotline, which can be accessed by phone or website 24hours per day, 365 days per year. The hotline is promoted throughout the business on noticeboards and is included in the induction process. Any contact with the hotline is immediately escalated to a trusted manager who will then initiate appropriate steps to investigate the complaint.

Details are set out in our Speak Up Policy.

Effectiveness

Glanbia Cheese EU Limited is committed to reviewing the effectiveness of our current policies and procedures and is focused on improving our measures to assess the management of the risks that are identified. We will continue to measure the effectiveness of our processes through monitoring of performance indicators;

• Recording and detailed of all complaints through the whistleblowing hotline
• Tracking of employees training in Modern Slavery and Ethical Trading
• An annual audit of labour providers
• SMETA audit reports
• Review of supply chain risk assesments
• Commitment to continuous improvement through annual review of Recruitment and induction processes

Glanbia remain committed to ensuring that modern slavery issues do not occur within the business and the supply chain, which will continue to be a priority in 2021.

Signed by:

Paul Vernon

Chief Executive

on behalf of Glanbia Cheese EU Ltd.

Date:  28th June 2021