UNISON’s research sought to obtain a picture of current practices and policies regarding ethical procurement of local authorities in the UK, including affiliation to Electronics Watch. At present, one UK local authority is a member of Electronics Watch – Tower Hamlets Borough Council – meaning that their procurement team receives regular updates and reports of working conditions in the electronics factories that make the goods they buy, and works together with other public sector buyers to improve conditions and address long-term, systemic issues in the industry.

“To this end, the council is a leader of ethical procurement practices in the UK, pioneering an innovative and effective approach to using institutional purchasing power to reform supply chains.” the report states.

UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield said: " Ethical procurement practices in local authorities remain in the early stages and lack clear and effective polices for addressing violations of human rights. This needs to change."

Electronics Watch director Björn Claeson said: " UNISON’s report calls attention to the opportunities for local authorities to take effective action to identify, mitigate and prevent modern slavery and other labour abuses in their supply chains.  Together, they can make a positive impact for workers in the UK and globally."

The Local Government Association ICT procurement guidance strategy also recommends local authorities to consider joining Electronics Watch.