Human and Labour Rights Assessments
Global value chains can be long and complex. Tracing and tracking them is a challenge in itself, as is monitoring respect for human and labour rights in multiple jurisdictions. An appreciation of the rights-holders and stakeholders at each production site, the prevailing social norms and the dominant workplace culture and employee relations is key to managing ethical, resilient and sustainable value chains, but getting the necessary information can be elusive. Equiception specialises in assessing sensitive, socially-patterned workplace issues and facilitating resolution of conflicts of right or interests. Our name itself – Equiception – reflects our expertise in balancing or reconciling conflicting perceptions. Our assessments are interview based and unpack the drivers or root causes of unfair, unwarranted or unlawful behaviour. The topics include fundamental principles and rights at work such as freedom of association and collective bargaining, discrimination, harassment and abuse, and forced and child labour; and employee relations issues such such as grievance handling, unfair dismissal and industrial action.
Research and advice
We provide research and advisory services covering topics such as social and labour issues in special economic and export processing zones; the impact of social media on workplace relations; fair recruitment practices to prevent forced or trafficked labour; managing working hours and overtime issues; fair treatment of contingent and migrant workers; and ethical business in prejudicial situations.