Modern Slavery Statement

2022 - 2023

The purpose of this statement is to state the company's abhorrence of modern slavery. Modern slavery has many forms and can include forced labour, human trafficking, and child slavery; all of which involve dehumanising individuals and breaching their human rights. The company has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and not only aims to prevent modern slavery within the business, but also is committed to preventing it from taking place within the direct supply chain.

This statement highlights the systems in place which aim to eliminate modern slavery. These systems are continually reviewed to ensure that we are well equipped to tackle and eliminate this issue. At Harry Corry we are committed to continuous improvement and protecting the human rights of all those who are in contact with our company, whether it be employees customers or those in the supply chain.

The following information is in accordance with the standards set out in section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement applies to the financial year 01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023.

About Harry Corry

Harry Corry Interiors is a family run business which was established in 1968. The company became Limited in 1977 and for the past 50 years the company has established itself as a leading retailer of home furnishings. We pride ourselves in our extensive range of curtains, bedding, curtain poles, lighting and furniture.

Currently we have 54 retail outlets throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland and we now employ over 700 Staff. There is a strong people culture at Harry Corry, with a continuous focus on providing an excellent service to our customers, promoting a positive working environment and optimising employee wellbeing.

The majority of our products are sourced from China and the global slavery index data states that China has 50.65% vulnerability to modern slavery.

Buyers are trained on the Company standards; new factories are visited before orders are placed and current factories are continually monitored. If there any new factories that do not meet an acceptable standard, orders will not be placed with them. In addition, we have agents that place orders and visit factories on our behalf and the agents are required to ensure that the same standards are met. Suppliers are required to provide third party supply chain audit (e.g. ISO/Sedex/SGS).

Due Diligence

The directors at Harry Corry are responsible for ensuring that the anti-slavery initiatives introduced are adhered to and effective. The directors are supported by all levels of management who have responsibility during the recruitment and selection processes and communication with suppliers. Suppliers also have a duty to uphold this in their business and the onward supply chain.

There are currently internal policies in place that further support this statement and are relevant in preventing modern slavery; The policies are listed as follows:

1.) Employee Handbook

All working hours comply with the current legislation, are clear in the employee contract and shall not exceed 48 hours per week. All overtime that is worked is voluntary and each employee will receive at least one day off every seven-day period.

The company takes appropriate steps to ensure working conditions are safe to reduce the chance of accidents or injuries. Employees also receive regular health and safety training.

All forms of harassment, violence, discrimination and victimisation will not be tolerated and will be dealt with as gross misconduct under the company disciplinary procedure.

2.) Employee Interaction and Relationship Guide

Harry Corry Ltd is committed to providing all of its employees with an environment free from bullying/harassment.

All employees are expected to comply with this policy and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal for serious offences, will be taken against any employee who violates this policy.

The policy applies to bullying/harassment not only by fellow employees but also by a client, customer or other business contact to which an employee might reasonably expect to come into contact with in the course of their employment.

3.) Recruitment

All employees are required to produce their passport and other documents to prove that they are eligible to work in the territory in which they applied.

All employees are provided with a clear contract of employment which is compliant with all current employment legislation with regards to factors such as minimum wage, working hours and age (Above 16 years old).

Almost 100% of our employees are hired directly by the company without using recruitment agencies.

All employees are free to leave the company with the required notice as set out in their contract of employment.

4.) Whistleblowing

At Harry Corry all members of staff have the right to voice their concerns about how their colleagues are treated or any of the business practices. Employees who disclose any misconduct are also protected against punishment and all information is handled in a confidential manner.

5.) Anti-bribery

At Harry Corry buyers are aware that it is illegal to offer, promise, give, request, agree, receive or accept bribes. There is zero tolerance to bribery.

Due Diligence in the Supply Chain

All of our suppliers are continuously audited to make sure that the company standards are being met and maintained. All new suppliers are audited before the first order is placed with them; This will involve visiting their production areas and observing the working conditions within the production sites.

All agents and wholesalers who supply Harry Corry Ltd are asked to provide information on their own anti-slavery policy to the company and are supplied with our Modern Slavery statement.

In an event of any suspected failure by a supplier to comply with our company policy, the company will investigate the circumstances of the situation with the supplier. If the supplier is found to be in breach of the anti-slavery policy on the balance of probability, the supplier will be monitored closely, suspended or terminated, if such a breach is not rectified in a timely manner.

Training

All employees received training on Modern Slavery between 01/04/20-31/03/21, this will be refreshed every three years, or when any significant changes occur. New employees receive training at the beginning of their employment. The requirement for training will be reviewed every year in conjunction with our Modern Slavery statement review.

Our Commitment

At Harry Corry we continue to work towards finding ways of ensuring compliance with all current legislation surrounding modern slavery and welcome all feedback from any stakeholders in relation to the company such as employees, suppliers and customers. This statement marks our commitment to confirm that we will fully assess and adapt our due diligence processes to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere within our company or the direct supply chain. We also expect our suppliers to have the same approach with their own suppliers.

All directors and senior management in the company are in full support of the actions set out in this statement.

John Corry Director	Anne Hill Director	Willie Corry Director