Case Study: Whitbread reduces modern slavery risk in construction with Sedex

How Whitbread uses Sedex to tackle modern slavery in the construction industry

Whitbread PLC, the owner of Premier Inn and several restaurant brands and employer of over 37,000 people, sought to tackle modern slavery risk in its construction supply chain as it developed new hotel and restaurant sites. To address this, Whitbread joined Sedex in 2018 and adopted Sedex services—notably SMETA audits and Sedex Analytics—to map suppliers, gather site-level data and identify sector- and country-level risks.

Using Sedex, Whitbread ran a supplier engagement programme asking first‑tier contractors to join the platform, paid for key contractors to receive SMETA audits, and used Sedex Analytics to track non‑compliances and common findings while upskilling internal teams and partners. Sedex‑supported actions led to agreed new audit timelines for construction, supplier improvement plans, a Responsible Construction information pack in development, expanded site-visit scope to spot signs of modern slavery, and recognition as a Sedex Responsible Business Awards 2020 shortlist — demonstrating clear progress in oversight and risk reduction.

Whitbread

Olivia Murphy

Sustainability Manager