Strand upholds ethical trading standards for its employees and business partners. The company’s directors and staff believe that it is important to operate a socially responsible business, promoting fair and sustainable practices internally and by supporting diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace.

The Ethical Trading Policy is part of Strand’s wider responsibility to the environment, the workplace, and employment, and should be considered in relation to other company policies. The Ethical Trading Policy is designed to promote fair working conditions and the responsible management of social issues.

The key policy points include but are not limited to:

Child labour: There shall be no recruitment or use of child labour.

Employment: There is no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour.  Workers are not required to leave deposits or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. 

Employment: To every extent possible work performed must be on the basis of a recognised employment relationship established through national law and practice. 

Freedom of association: Collective bargaining is respected and worker’s representatives are allowed to carry out their representative function in the workplace.

Living wages: Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week will meet National legal Standards or Industry benchmark Standards, whichever is higher. Workers shall be made aware of their employment conditions. 

Modern slavery and human trafficking Steps will be taken to assess and manage the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Discrimination: There shall be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, or retirement based on race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. 

Inhumane treatment: Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation is prohibited.  

Working conditions: A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided.  Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work.  Access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. 

Working hours: Working hours shall comply with National Laws and Benchmark Industry Standards, whichever affords the greater protection.