UK Gov’t to face court hearing over Supermax’s modern slavery link

A UK non-profit group has been granted permission by the High Court to proceed with challenging a decision by the British Government to continue relying on the UK subsidiary of Supermax Corp Bhd as an approved supplier of disposable gloves for its National Health Service (NHS) workers.

The group calling itself “The Citizens” has initiated a legal action against the UK Government’s decision to continue working with the Malaysian personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer in what is considered the first case of its kind to consider the presence of modern slavery in the UK’s supply chain.

Supermax has faced multiple allegations of modern slavery, stretching back to 2019, according to The Independent news portal. The US has banned imports from the company after an investigation found “ample evidence” of forced labour within its factories, while Canada has also ceased business with the firm over similar concerns.

In November 2021, the UK Government said it would investigate the claims of modern slavery made against Supermax.

Despite this, an agreement was awarded a month later to Supermax Heathcare Ltd, the UK-based subsidiary of Supermax Corp and other suppliers in a contract deal worth £6 bil (RM32.63 bil), according to The Independent.

As a result, “The Citizens” launched a legal case against the UK Government claiming that it has failed to tackle alleged modern slavery abuse in the NHS supply chain.

The lawsuit has been prepared by Wilson Solicitors LLP which represents several current and former workers of Malaysian glove factories, including those run by Supermax. These workers have detailed allegations of debt bondage, physical abuse and forced labour while working at Supermax.

“The High Court’s order outlines that there is an arguable claim of a grave breach of public law obligations to answer and thus permission for the case to proceed to a full judicial review hearing has been allowed,” The Independent cited solicitor of the case Nusrat Uddin as saying.

“While the High Court’s decision to grant permission is only the first stage of these legal proceedings, it is significant in that it is the first case in the English courts to consider the use of modern slavery in the government’s own procurement processes.”

Leaked documents obtained by The Independent showed Whitehall officials identified companies suspected of forced labour as long ago as November 2019 – with further concerns about suppliers highlighted by a UK diplomat over the summer of 2020. – May 19, 2022

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