BUSINESS owners are being urged to do all they can help stamp out modern slavery in Cheshire.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Cathedral and the Cheshire Anti-Slavery Network are hosting a business reception to highlight the scale of the issue and outline what can be done.

Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Modern slavery is a very real issue and is destroying the lives of people living in our borough.

“It is appalling that people are treated like this and we must do all we can to make a difference and make sure this is a borough where everyone is treated with respect, where everyone can earn a decent living for a good day’s work and where everyone can thrive.”

Modern Slavery: The Real Challenge for Business takes place at the cathedral from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, 8 March.

The event will be chaired by the Bishop of Chester and speakers include Quintin Lake, a consultant on ethical supply chains and the requirements of the act, Shayne Tyler, the head of a large food processing company, and Penny Street, from the Co-op.

Discussion points at the business reception include how businesses can support ethical supply chains, identify victims of modern slavery and make sure they are compliant with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The act requires businesses to ensure that all their operations down through their supply chains are ethical and free of modern slavery.

Cheshire West and Chester has resolved to work towards the eradication of human trafficking and slavery in the borough. It has agreed a strategy with Cheshire Police and other local councils to tackle modern slavery and the Church Leaders of Cheshire have signed a commitment to support that strategy in any whatever practical ways they can.

Admission to the business reception is free. To book a place visit: modernslaverytherealchallengeforbusiness.eventbrite.co.uk and for more information email: business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.