MPs push for stronger due diligence in supply chains, tackling modern slavery risks in imported goods.
The UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee has released a new report, Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill, calling for stricter protections for workers and increased corporate responsibility in supply chains. The report warns that the UK is at risk of becoming a market for goods produced under exploitative conditions, a development that could significantly impact the office imaging and remanufacturing sector.
The risk to the UK market
Under current laws, businesses are only required to publish statements on their efforts to combat modern slavery, yet many of these statements lack transparency and meaningful action. MPs are now recommending that the government introduce mandatory due diligence requirements, making companies actively responsible for ensuring their supply chains are free from forced labour.
This has particular relevance for the office imaging sector, where many OEM and aftermarket consumables originate from international suppliers. Reports of forced labour linked to manufacturing hubs in Asia mean tougher UK laws could disrupt the flow of new-built cartridges and low-cost imaging consumables.
Stronger compliance measures in the supply chain
The proposed changes align with international scrutiny of ethical labour practices. MPs are urging the government to strengthen the UK Modern Slavery Act by requiring businesses to prove their supply chains are free from forced labour, rather than merely reporting on them. There are also calls for tougher penalties for non-compliance, including fines and trade restrictions, alongside enhanced enforcement powers to investigate companies importing products linked to labour exploitation.
For UK and EU businesses dealing with imported printer consumables, this means increased documentation, supplier audits, and due diligence checks. If passed into law, the changes could significantly impact UK distributors, resellers, and online marketplaces, forcing them to reconsider their product sourcing strategies.
Impact on the remanufacturing industry
The proposed changes could create a significant opportunity for reputable remanufacturers. Companies that already adhere to stringent environmental and ethical sourcing standards could gain a competitive advantage as businesses seek compliant alternatives. The emphasis on responsible supply chains aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products, reinforcing remanufacturers’ position in the market.
Stricter labour rights enforcement follows similar EU efforts, where the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is set to introduce mandatory supply chain accountability. UK businesses exporting to the EU may need to comply with both UK and EU standards, further increasing the importance of ethical sourcing and transparent supply chains. Due diligence requirements could encourage more businesses to invest in circular economy solutions, favouring remanufactured products over new-built alternatives struggling to meet compliance standards.
At the same time, these regulations pose a challenge for importers of new-built cartridges from regions with labour rights concerns. Stricter compliance requirements may force some suppliers to either restructure their supply chains or withdraw from the UK market. As a result, the availability of low-cost, non-compliant imports could decrease, reinforcing the case for remanufacturing as a sustainable and legally sound alternative.
Additional measures in the bill affecting employers
Beyond supply chain oversight, the bill introduces a range of employment reforms that could impact office imaging companies and remanufacturers. One major proposal is the introduction of day-one employment rights, removing the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims and ensuring immediate rights to parental and bereavement leave.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be reformed, making it available from day one and expanding eligibility to all workers by removing the lower earnings limit. Flexible working is another area of focus, with the bill proposing it as the default, requiring employers to justify refusals rather than placing the burden on employees.
The bill also seeks to regulate zero-hours contracts by introducing shift notice periods and fair compensation for last-minute changes. It further aims to ban exploitative fire-and-rehire tactics, preventing employers from dismissing and re-engaging workers on worse terms. Additionally, minimum service levels during strikes will be enforced to ensure essential services remain operational.
Workplace protections will expand, with employers made responsible for preventing sexual harassment, including from third parties such as customers and clients. Pay transparency rules will require larger employers to report pay gaps based on ethnicity and disability alongside gender pay gaps, increasing accountability for fair wages.
What this means for the office imaging industry
The introduction of tougher labour and supply chain laws could reshape the UK consumables market, potentially reducing the availability of low-cost, non-compliant imports. Due diligence will become a critical requirement for distributors sourcing imaging supplies from regions with reported labour rights violations.
For businesses already engaged in sustainable and ethical practices, these changes present an opportunity. Remanufacturers that comply with strict environmental and labour standards could benefit as businesses seek alternatives that meet higher compliance thresholds. Companies should assess their supply chains now, ensuring they are prepared for potential shifts in compliance requirements.
Beyond supply chains, workforce management in the UK will require adaptation, with changes to employee rights, sick pay, and working conditions. Employers will need to revise contracts, policies, and operational practices to comply with new regulations while maintaining business efficiency. Best practices include conducting regular audits of employment policies, implementing transparent and fair hiring and dismissal procedures, and providing staff training on workplace rights. Developing flexible working strategies that align with the new legal framework while balancing operational needs will also be crucial.
Timeline for implementation
While this report sets out ambitious recommendations, it is not yet law. The Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill remains under parliamentary scrutiny. The government has indicated that consultations on key aspects of the bill will continue through 2025. If passed, some reforms, such as trade union law changes, could take effect within two months. However, more significant changes, including the removal of the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection, are unlikely to be implemented before autumn 2026.
As the bill progresses, amendments and delays are possible. Businesses should remain aware of developments and plan for potential changes to ensure compliance when new regulations take effect.
With governments worldwide tightening oversight on unethical labour practices, office imaging businesses must stay ahead of regulatory changes. The UK’s proposed employment rights reforms could mark a significant shift in the sector, reinforcing the importance of ethical sourcing, sustainable remanufacturing, and responsible employment practices.
