Despite the fact that getting a job with a living wage decreases the risk that an individual will commit another crime, society places many barriers to people with criminal records re-entering the workforce. SDGs 8 and 10 includes bringing the formerly incarcerated back as contributing members of society by providing meaningful work. SDG 5 also is impacted, as bias against women with criminal histories is greater than against men. A new study reveals that misconceptions that prevent employers from considering job applicants with criminal histories are not supported by the data; these workers prove to be as good or a better “quality of hire” than employees without a criminal record.

An XpertHR survey shows that the problem of sexual harassment continues to be a high concern of employers. Providing a safe and legal workplace environment are part of achieving SDGs 5, 8 and 10. This article addresses concerns and offers practical advice on preventing and/or addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.

This Practice Note covers the main pillars of access to justice in environmental matters in the UK under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention). Access to justice and the ability to effectively challenge environmental decisions are key to SDG 16.

UK mechanisms touching on sustainable development are generally based on, and have as their over-arching objective, some variation of the so-called “Brundtland definition”. These mechanisms also widely reference the three interconnected ‘pillars’ of sustainable development, also known as the ‘triple bottom line’ of sustainable development. The UK approach has a bearing on all SDGs and in particular, SDGs 9, 10 and 13.

The Consolidated Versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the Eu-ropean Union (the EU Treaties) set out the constitutional framework for the EU. The Treaties do not attempt to define sustainable development or impose an EU-wide adoption of a common definition. This practice note sets out the approach to sustainable development at the EU institutional level. This has an impact on all SDGs but in particular, SDGs 9, 10 and 13.

In the UK, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 sets out the requirement for some organisations to produce and publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement, putting efforts to tackle slavery and human trafficking on the corporate agenda. This overview from LexisPSL provides guidance on the Modern Slavery Act’s obligation to produce a statement. The role of corporates is key to SDG 8.7 and the taking of immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking.

This Practice Note from LexisPSL explains how to format, write, approve, and publish a slavery and human trafficking statement. This statement is mandatory for UK companies with a total turnover of £36m or more, but companies who do not meet that requirement are strongly encouraged to voluntarily produce the document to protect employees and enhance corporate social responsibility. This article relates to SDG 8.7, calling for immediate and accelerated action to end forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour.

This Practice Note from LexisPSL explains what the UN Global Compact is and how it interacts with issues relating to business and human rights. It also summarises the key pledges and principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, how organisations can sign up and the annual reporting requirements. The UN Global Compact is a vital vehicle for advancing SDG 17.16 to enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.

This overview from LexisPSL introduces the key issues business organisations need to know about human rights. It summarises some of the key human rights standards and initiatives that apply to business and the key actions that business organisations need to take in order to avoid causing or contributing to ad-verse human rights impacts. Business has a key role to play in advancing SDG 16.3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

LexisNexis New Zealand and the Slave Free Seas Charitable Trust have created a free legal resource to assist advocates for victims of human trafficking, comprising practical information on advocacy and policy change. This guidance is essential for target 8.7 and the eradication of forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as SDG 16.3 and access to justice.