Compliance with the Code

We ask all of our suppliers to comply with the requirements of the Code and to ensure that appropriate systems are in place in order to monitor and demonstrate compliance. 

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

In accepting the principles set out in the Code, suppliers shall agree to abide by all applicable laws and regulations in any jurisdictions in which they operate, including but not limited to the laws and regulations relating to issues addressed in the Code.

Human Rights

Suppliers must comply with all applicable human rights and employment laws in the jurisdictions in which they work and operate, including the principles recognised in the International Bill of Human Rights. 

When local laws conflict with international human rights standards, suppliers should comply with the law while seeking to honour the principles of internationally recognised human rights.

Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

YST is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working culture and environment where people feel valued and respected and asks its suppliers to do the same. 

This means striving to employ diverse teams, reflective of the societies in which suppliers operate, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all, including those who might be otherwise excluded or marginalised as a result of socioeconomic circumstance, gender, race, colour, disability, neurodiversity, age, nationality, union affliction, or religion.

Suppliers should also assess and address any potential negative impact their activities may have on their local communities, providing training to employees and managers with direct responsibility for supply chain management on the mitigation of labour abuses and discrimination. 

Labour

YST asks its suppliers to respect the rights of their workforce and to comply with all relevant labour legislation in all jurisdictions in which they operate, or in the absence of such legislation, in compliance with relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, to ensure:

1. No forced or child labour exists anywhere in their operations or supply chain;
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected;
3. Working conditions are safe and sanitary;
4. Fair pay, working hours and rest periods are provided; and
5. No harassment, harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.

Forced or Child Labour

Suppliers, wherever located, must work towards ensuring no slavery, forced or child labour or human trafficking exists in their business or at any stage of their own supply chain. All employment must be on a voluntary basis. All workers should be free to terminate their employment at any time with reasonable notice.  

Freedom of Association 

Suppliers must ensure that workers have the right to form labour unions without prior permission, to safeguard and develop their economic and social rights. Where the right to freedom of association is restricted under law, there must be an equivalent means of independent representation for workers.

Working Conditions

Suppliers must ensure that they provide a safe, humane and sanitary working environment for their employees, meeting the requirements set out in the ILO Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines. Suppliers must also ensure that appropriate training is given to employees in safety practices and procedures, including fire protection. 

Working Hours and Wages

Suppliers should comply with local laws relevant to living minimum wages, standard working hours and employee benefits. Where these do not exist, suppliers should pay a real living wage and benefits as defined by the ILO or similar initiatives.

Suppliers should ensure fair remuneration for both men and women for work of equal value in accordance with local applicable laws, directives and regulations. 

Harassment and Harsh Treatment

Suppliers must ensure they provide a workplace for their employees that is free of harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual abuse, threats, verbal abuse, and harsh or inhumane treatment.

Suppliers should have an anonymous whistle-blowing policy in place that ensures protection for employees raising concerns about any historical, present or future incidents or wrongdoing, in compliance with local laws, directives, and regulations. 

Anti-Corruption and Bribery 

Suppliers should perform all business dealings with integrity and transparency, complying with applicable anti-bribery, anti-lobbying, anti-money laundering, and anti-corruption laws, regulations and codes including, but not limited to, compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010, or equivalent applicable legislation in other countries.

Suppliers should also ensure:

1. that accurate business records are securely retained for the period required by law; and
2. compliance with laws and directives providing for the protection, transfer, access and storage of personal information. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the UK Data Protection Act 2018, or equivalent applicable legislation in other countries.

Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when a person’s private interest interferes in any way with or is given higher importance than the interests and mission of YST. To prevent or manage potential conflicts of interest, we expect our suppliers to continually recognise and avoid situations that can create an actual or potential conflict of interest when working with or on behalf of YST or our stakeholders.

Suppliers must disclose any actual conflict of interest or any interest, relationship or activity that could give rise to a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

All conflicts of interest will be registered in YST’s conflict of interest register.

Environment and Climate

YST is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting its impact on nature and biodiversity and asks its suppliers to make the same commitment.

YST requires that its suppliers adhere to all environmental legislation, regulations and all relevant local laws in order to facilitate the protection of the environment and to have processes in place committed to reducing the environmental impact of their products, services, operations, manufacturing processes and waste emissions.

Suppliers should, wherever possible, take a precautionary approach to environmental matters and emissions, undertaking initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly technologies. 

Review and Audit

YST reserves the right to work with suppliers to ensure and evaluate performance against the Code. The Code specifically requires that YST’s suppliers ensure that the same principles are implemented and adhered to by all others with whom they do business, including employees, subcontractors and other third parties.

Suppliers hereby acknowledge and assure YST’s right to review and request documentation and evidence, to conduct audits and/or physical inspections (including unannounced inspections) of its facilities and records, including those of any subcontractors or other third parties involved in the supply of products to YST and their sale or distribution to end customers, on an on-going basis to verify compliance with the requirements of the Code.

Version 1: December 2023