Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

For the  Year 2025
Address: 17a Derrycoose Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 1LY

1. Introduction

Universal Meat Company is committed to conducting all aspects of its business ethically, responsibly, and with integrity. We recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains and fully support the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

This statement outlines the steps we have taken, and continue to take, to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business or our supply chains.

2. Our Business and Structure

Universal Meat Company operates from our facility at 17a Derrycoose Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh. We are engaged in the  supply of meat products to customers across the UK and Ireland.
Our operations include procurement, packaging, and distribution of meat products to wholesale, retail, and catering sectors.

We employ 39 staff directly and work with a range of approved suppliers and service providers within the UK and internationally.

3. Our Supply Chains

Our supply chains include:

  • Meat suppliers and processors
  • Packaging and transport providers
  • Equipment, cleaning, and maintenance suppliers
  • Labour agencies and contract service providers

We recognise that parts of the agricultural and food production sectors may be at higher risk of modern slavery. Therefore, we are committed to maintaining transparency and strong supplier relationships to mitigate these risks.

4. Policies and Commitments

We have implemented policies and procedures to support our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. These include:

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  • Supplier Code of Conduct – requiring suppliers to confirm compliance with applicable labour, human rights, and anti-slavery laws.
  • Recruitment and Employment Policy – ensuring fair recruitment practices and that all employees work voluntarily.

5. Due Diligence and Risk Management

We conduct due diligence on all new suppliers before onboarding and periodically review existing suppliers. This includes:

  • Requiring suppliers to confirm compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015..
  • Conducting audits or requesting evidence of ethical practices when necessary.
  • Reviewing labour providers for compliance with employment legislation and licensing requirements.

6. Training and Awareness

We provide training where necessary and guidance to relevant employees.on modern slavery and human trafficking.
Employees are encouraged to report any concerns or suspected breaches.

7. Measuring Effectiveness

We monitor our effectiveness through:

  • Supplier audits and compliance reviews.
  • Feedback from staff.
  • Regular policy reviews and updates.
  • Monitoring of any reported incidents and corrective actions taken.

8. Future Steps

We are committed to continual improvement in identifying and addressing the risks of modern slavery. Over the next year, we will:

  • Strengthen supplier monitoring and verification.
  • Review our policies to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation and best practice.

9. Approval

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the slavery and human trafficking statement for Universal Meat Company for the year 2025.

It has been approved by the Board of Directors of Universal Meat Company.

Signed: ___________________________
Name: Osmond Gurgan
Position: Director
Date: 2025