Human Rights Policy

 

1.Statement

M4 Recruitment has a number of policies and procedures which aim at justice, equality and the general principles of fairness. Every attempt will be made to train staff in the principles of equality. It is our intention that our policies are open, available, consistent and fair. Our commitment to the realisation on human rights is embedded in our company’s human rights and social policies.

M4 Recruitment is committed to ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect. In accordance with National law and practice, M4 Recruitment supports and promotes the United Nations Global Compact, the UN Declaration on Human Rights and the principles of the 1998 International Labour Organisation Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in four categories.

These categories are: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

2. Definitions

2.1 Human rights are describes as being “inherent, inalienable and universal”.

They are:

  • Inherent because they are acquired by individuals simply by reason of their birth
  • Inalienable because the rights cannot be taken away
  • Universal because they apply to all persons regardless of nationality, status, sex or race.

 

2.2 Some rights provided for the Act are “absolute” whilst others are “qualified”.

2.2.1 An absolute right exists without any limitations or exceptions unless those exceptions are expressly provided for in the Convention itself.

2.2.2 A qualified right is one that exists in certain “qualified circumstances” which in simple terms means that the limitations and restrictions imposed are justified as being “necessary” in a democratic society. The Act specifies a number of circumstances when such restrictions would be justified: “in the interest of national security, territorial integrity, public safety of the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, to protect health or morals or the protection of rights and freedoms of others”.

2.3 M4 Recruitment is guided by the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact;

  • Human Rights

Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and;

Principle 2: Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

 

  • Labour


Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

 

  • Environment

Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

  • Anti-Corruption

Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

 

3. Commitment

3.1 We conduct our business in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all people, complying with all legal requirements. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and avoid complicity in human rights abuses, as stated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

3.2 We treat everyone who works for M4 Recruitment fairly and without discrimination. Our employees, agency staff and suppliers are entitled to work in an environment under conditions that respect their rights and dignity.

3.3 We respect the rights of people in communities impacted by our activities. We will seek to identify adverse human rights impacts and take appropriate steps to avoid, minimise and/or mitigate them.

 

4. Valuing Diversity

 

4.1 M4 Recruitment values the diversity of the people with whom we work with and whom we employ. We have a long-standing commitment to equal opportunities and intolerance of discrimination or harassment.

4.2 Regardless of personal characteristics or status, the Company does not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour, unfair treatment or retaliation of any kind. Harassment is unacceptable in the workplace and in any work-related circumstance outside the workplace.

 

5. Delivery


5.1M4 Recruitment provides a safe workplace that is free from violence and complies with applicable health and safety laws, regulations and internal requirements. We are dedicated to maintaining a productive workplace by minimising the risk of accidents, injuries and exposure to health risks. We are committed to engaging with our employees and continually improve health and safety in our workplaces, including the identification of hazards and remediation of health and safety issues.

5.2 In our business dealings we expect our partners to adhere to business principles consistent with our own. We prohibit discrimination, forced, trafficked and child labour and are committed to safe and healthy working conditions and the dignity of the individual.

5.3 We will meet our responsibility to respect human rights by implementing the relevant sections of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and incorporating them into the processes and policies that govern all our business activities.

5.4 We will make sure that our communications with governments, regulatory bodies and public authorities are consistent with our human rights commitments, as stated in this policy.

5.5 In those instances where there is a conflict between a legal requirement and this Policy Statement, we shall seek to always apply the most stringent standard, as stipulated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, without violating domestic law.

 

6. Going Forward

M4 Recruitment has an open and honest workplace where all communication is valued and respected. M4 Recruitment is committed to following all applicable labour and employment laws wherever we operate.

This Human Rights Policy consolidates our existing commitments and brings increased clarity on our processes and procedures. Its principles are implemented across our operations and value chain.