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United Kingdom

UK government plans mandatory human rights due diligence rules for large firms

The rules would require large UK and non-UK businesses to address forced labour and abuse risks in their operations and supply chains, affecting corporate compliance planning.

Photo: Ugur Akdemir, Unsplash

What happened

The UK government confirmed in a written ministerial statement on 4 November 2026 that it will introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation. lexisnexis.co.uk+1 The regime would apply to UK businesses with global turnover exceeding 350 million pounds and non-UK businesses with UK-generated turnover exceeding 350 million pounds. WWD+2 In-scope businesses would need to identify, assess and address risks of human rights abuses and labour exploitation in their operations and supply chains. lexisnexis.co.uk+1 The regime would cover services across the UK and goods in Great Britain. WWD+2 The government also intends to give a regulator powers to investigate businesses suspected of placing goods produced using forced labour on the market. lexisnexis.co.uk+1

Around it

The framework is to be risk-based and aligned with the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Baker McKenzie The EU Forced Labour Regulation will apply in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. Baker McKenzie

What comes next

Draft legislation and timing remain unclear. Baker McKenzie

Sources

  1. WWDUK Plans Mandatory Due Diligence Rules to Target Forced Labor
  2. lexisnexis.co.ukGovernment announces plans for a mandatory human rights due diligence regime and measures to tackle forced labour | News
  3. Baker McKenzieUnited Kingdom to Mandate Human Rights Due Diligence | Insight

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