Ethics Policy.
Lesta Packaging Plc
Corporate Ethics Policy Statement
(Modern Slavery, Equal Opportunities, Freedom of Association and Anti-Bribery)
(Current version issued: 15/06/2026)
Lesta Packaging Plc Ethics Policy
Lesta Packaging Plc is committed to upholding high standards of ethics, equal opportunity and fair business practices in all its dealings with employees, customers and suppliers.
As a leading supplier to the wholesale and retail industries, Lesta believes it has a responsibility to set a positive example in its dealings with others and operates a number of fundamental principles and values which it believes are the foundation of sound and fair business practice. This includes the adoption of a zero-tolerance approach to illegal or unethical behaviour of any kind, including bribery, corruption, modern slavery, child labour or exploitation of individual rights.
Lesta complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and is against all forms of enforced labour. Lesta and its suppliers must recruit their workers on a purely voluntary basis, without any coercion, containment, punishment, penalty or other oppressive labour conditions, or any threat thereof. Lesta do not require employees to make any deposit or financial guarantee to obtain employment and do not withhold or delay wage payments. Lesta respects the contractual rights of its employees and respects their rights to leave the workplace on completion of their contracted shifts.
Lesta stands against all forms of child labour or exploitation and does not recruit any employee under 18 years of age. We comply with all applicable child labour laws including those relating to wages, working hours and working conditions. Lesta expects its suppliers to comply with applicable local laws regarding the minimum hiring age for employees.
Lesta is an equal opportunity employer and respects the right of every individual to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to their personal characteristics, background, or beliefs (such as race, religion or gender). The Company is committed to treating all employees and job applicants equally and bases its employment decisions solely on ability, qualification and merit. Managers must follow the Equal Opportunity Policy and relevant legislation when making employment decisions, including recruitment, training & development, promotion, disciplinary, redundancy or dismissal.
As part of its commitment to equitable treatment, Lesta respects the rights of its workers to associate freely, in compliance with prevailing local laws and without intimidation, reprisal or harassment of any kind or threat thereof. Lesta expects its suppliers and business partners to uphold similar commitments in compliance with local laws and good practice.
This document affirms our commitment to comply with all applicable labour laws of the UK and the wider world in which we operate. We also expect our suppliers, business partners and associates to demonstrate similar standards and to operate in compliance with all applicable in-country laws.
We take these commitments seriously and are committed to working with our partners to improve working conditions for employees; however, if we become aware of any unresolved violation of any of the principles or practices outlined in this document, we will take serious action including, if necessary, discontinuation of the business relationship concerned.
Where possible for our production partners (suppliers) we use 3rd party auditors that assess to BSCI or Sedex SMETA standards. Both these standards include interviewing employees at the sites which helps identify any risks of modern slavery.
We follow up audit results to help mitigate against any social or ethical issues. Lesta also visits sites annually to check ourselves.
Lesta Packaging Plc Ethics Policy
Lesta follows the principals of the ETI base code which includes -
Employment is freely chosen
- There is no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour.
- Workers are not required to lodge “deposits” or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.
- The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.
- Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
- Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining.
Working conditions are safe and hygienic Child labour shall not be used
Living wages are paid
Working hours are not excessive
-Working hours must comply with national laws.
-Working hours, excluding overtime, shall be defined by contract, and shall not exceed 48 hours per week.
-All overtime shall be voluntary. Overtime shall be used responsibly, taking into account all the following: the extent, frequency and hours worked by individual workers and the workforce as a whole. It shall not be used to replace regular employment.
-The total hours worked in any seven day period shall not exceed 60 hours.
-Working hours may exceed 60 hours in any seven day period only in exceptional circumstances where all of the following are met:
-this is allowed by national law
-this is allowed by a collective agreement freely negotiated with a workers’ organisation representing a significant portion of the workforce
-appropriate safeguards are taken to protect the workers’ health and safety
-the employer can demonstrate that exceptional circumstances apply such as unexpected production peaks, accidents or emergencies.
-Workers shall be provided with at least one day off in every seven day period or, where allowed by national law, two days off in every 14 day period
No discrimination is practice
Regular employment is provided
No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Lesta Packaging Plc Ethics Policy
For Lesta employees - please raise any concern with:Your line manager Directors of the business
You may raise your concern by telephone, in person or in writing. The earlier you express your concern, the easier it is to take action. You will need to provide the following information:
the nature of your concern and why you believe it to be true
the background and history of the concern (giving relevant dates)
Lesta has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery (giving or receiving) - whatever the size, it is not deemed acceptable.
Lesta employees or associates are not permitted to offer or accept any gift / hospitality (regardless of value) unless agreed by Directors of both parties.
Osman Alimahomed
Managing Director