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Human rights clause

The human rights clause (below) is based on international workplace norms in the International Labour Organisation conventions and the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The text below sets out the standard English-language version of the contract clause, but it must be noted that the exact wording may vary between contracts. GSK attorneys may amend the wording of the HR Clause during negotiation with third parties or during translation to suit local law. However GSK attorneys have been instructed not to change the Human Rights Clause in any way that reduces its contractual impact or intent.

The GSK standard contract clause for Ethical Standards and Human Rights

Unless otherwise required or prohibited by law, the Supplier warrants, to the best of its knowledge, that in relation to the supply of goods or services under the terms of this Agreement:

1. it does not employ engage or otherwise use any child labour in circumstances such that the tasks performed by any such child labour could reasonably be foreseen to cause either physical or emotional impairment to the development of such child;
2. it does not use forced labour in any form (prison, indentured, bonded or otherwise) and its employees are not required to lodge papers or deposits on starting work;
3. it provides a safe and healthy workplace, presenting no immediate hazards to its employees. Any housing provided by the Supplier to its employees is safe for habitation. The Supplier provides access to clean water, food, and emergency healthcare to its employees in the event of accidents or incidents at the Supplier's workplace;
4. it does not discriminate against any employees on any ground (including race, religion, disability or gender).
5. it does not engage in or support the use of corporal punishment, mental, physical, sexual or verbal abuse and does not use cruel or abusive disciplinary practices in the workplace;
6. it pays each employee at least the minimum wage, or a fair representation of the prevailing industry wage, (whichever is the higher) and provides each employee with all legally mandated benefits;
7. it complies with the laws on working hours and employment rights in the countries in which it operates;
8. it is respectful of its employees right to join and form independent trade unions and freedom of association.
9. The Supplier agrees that it is responsible for controlling its own supply chain and that it shall encourage compliance with ethical standards and human rights by any subsequent supplier of goods and services that are used by Supplier when performing its obligations under this Agreement.

The Supplier shall ensure that it has ethical and human rights policies and an appropriate complaints procedure to deal with any breaches of such policies.

GSK reserves the right upon reasonable notice (unless inspection is for cause, in which case no notice shall be necessary) to enter upon the Supplier's premises to monitor compliance by the Supplier of the warranties set out in the clause above and the Supplier shall, subject to compliance with law, furnish GSK with any relevant documents requested by GSK in relation thereto. {this sub-section will only be required where there is no general right of audit elsewhere within the Agreement}

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