

Featuring Paul McAnulty, Anti-Trafficking Advocate at ASDA
I’m Paul McAnulty, and I’ve had the privilege of working in the anti-trafficking sector for over eighteen years in various contexts, including law enforcement, NGOs, and now from a corporate perspective. This diverse experience has provided me with a holistic view of the issue at hand.
While it’s important to be idealistic and strive for ambitious goals, we must also be pragmatic in achieving impact and improving the lives of individuals affected by exploitation, both in our operations and complex global supply chains.
Although the UK has commendable legislation against slavery, we are currently lagging behind developments in other countries. As Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance, mentioned during our recent discussions, ethical businesses shouldn’t wait for government action; they must do the right thing now. By setting best practices and leveraging their position, businesses can advocate for meaningful change. Legislative changes should aim to level the playing field, ensuring that ethical businesses aren’t undercut by those failing to meet standards.
It’s crucial that compliance is seen as just the starting point. We should exceed these standards and set benchmarks for others. I am encouraged by the breadth and impact of ASDA’s current initiatives in this space. Just yesterday, we participated in a Stronger Together event with various organisations we collaborate with, which was fantastic to witness.
At ASDA, we adopt a holistic approach to tackling exploitation. To prevent exploitation, we educate individuals about their rights and create an environment where exploitation cannot thrive. We also ensure that employees know how to report issues and feel confident in doing so, fostering a culture of support.
In terms of remediation, should the worst happen, we focus on correcting wrongs and helping individuals get back on their preferred paths. For instance, we partner with organisations like Causeway to provide employability workshops and support for immediate physiological needs. We’re dedicated to addressing both short-term needs and long-term aspirations, working towards fulfilling individuals’ broader hierarchies of needs.
Collaboration is vital in this fight; no organisation can tackle this issue alone. We’re proud to sponsor collaborative programs that unite retailers, suppliers, and corporate organisations to discuss challenges and share best practices. This collective response is essential as modern slavery is a dynamic crime that requires us to stay ahead.
We also set clear transparency requirements for our suppliers and business partners. Anyone involved in our operations or supply chains must adhere to ethical standards we trust. While we can’t claim that exploitation is entirely absent from our complex supply chains, we can assure you that we are proactively searching for it. When we uncover issues, we take immediate action to address them and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Throughout my years in the anti-trafficking sector, I can confidently say that ASDA is making a significant impact. However, this progress is only possible through partnerships with fantastic NGOs and collaborative initiatives. I encourage any organisation looking to make a difference to get involved and start the conversation.
While the figure of fifty million may seem daunting, together, we can make a substantial dent in that number. Let’s unite our efforts to eradicate modern slavery and create a safer, fairer world for all.