WAQ78578 (e) Tabled on 11/07/2019

Will the Minister explain what consideration the Welsh Government gives to ensuring that the companies it procures goods and services from, and provides fiscal support to, are respecting human rights?

Answered by Minister for Finance and Trefnydd | Answered on 19/07/2019

We want Wales to be a place where everyone has a good quality of life in strong, safe communities, and where we are responsible global citizens trying to make a positive contribution to the wider communities we touch. Welsh Government is a signatory to the Code of Practice for Ethical Employment in Supply Chains. When we contract with any business or individual to provide goods, services or works on our behalf we recognise that they become an extension of our organisation and their actions reflect upon us as Welsh Government. To that end, we are working with our supply base to promote and secure ethical practice in our supply chains.

Welsh Government considers itself a good employer, meeting and exceeding UK and EU employment standards. When procuring we consider how our own high standards can help influence and support fair employment practices across our supply base. Implementation of the Code of Practice is helping eliminate unfair working practices in our public sector supply chains and is sending a clear message that we only want to deal with ethical and responsible businesses.

As part of developing our Welsh Government policies and processes we pay due regard to eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations in all that we do.  It should also be recognised that all companies have a responsibility and a duty themselves to ensure they are compliant with the relevant legislation.