Human Rights Policy

Last Revised: 05 December 2025

Introduction and Purpose

Second Mesh Ltd is committed to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights in all aspects of our business operations and supply chains. We recognise that we have a duty to uphold internationally recognised human rights standards, beyond legal compliance, as part of responsible and sustainable operations.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Set out Second Mesh Ltd's commitments to human rights and fair labour practices.
• Ensure compliance with UK and European labour legislation.
• Align our practices with international human rights frameworks.
• Provide a framework for monitoring, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of Second Mesh Ltd, regardless of contract type or seniority.
• Contractors, consultants, suppliers, and third-party partners.
• All operations, including projects delivered in partnership with clients, regulators, public, private and third sector organisations.

Legal and International Frameworks

UK and European Legal Compliance

We comply fully with the following:

• Equality Act 2010
• Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC)
• National Minimum Wage Act 1998
• Employment Rights Act 1996
• Protection of Young People at Work Directive 94/33/EC
• Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
• Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE)
• Pensions Act 2004
• Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004
• European Labour Law obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

International Standards and Guidelines

Second Mesh Ltd is guided by the following global human rights instruments:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• United Nations Covenants on Human Rights
• Core Labour Standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)

Human Rights Commitments

Labour and Employment Standards

• Freedom from Child Labour: We prohibit child labour and comply with the Protection of Young People at Work Directive.
• Forced Labour and Modern Slavery: We do not tolerate forced labour, human trafficking, or modern slavery in our operations or supply chains.
• Fair Wages and Working Hours: We ensure compliance with the National Minimum and Living Wage, provide fair pay, and respect working time regulations.
• Freedom of Association: We respect employee rights to join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.
• Non-Discrimination: We are committed to preventing discrimination and harassment, and we promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Occupational Health and Safety: We provide safe and healthy working environments in compliance with applicable legislation.

Environmental and Community Responsibilities

• We prohibit or mitigate activities that cause harmful soil change, water or air pollution, noise pollution, or excessive resource use.
• We prohibit unlawful eviction, land grabs, or unauthorised appropriation of land, forests, or water.
• We will not employ private or public security forces in ways that interfere with human rights.
• We comply with international environmental conventions, including:
  • Minamata Convention on Mercury
  • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
  • Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste

Commitment to Specific Groups

We recognise that some groups require special attention and protection. We explicitly commit to supporting the rights of:

• Women – under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
• Children – under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Migrant Workers – under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families.
• People of African Descent – under the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
• Indigenous Peoples – under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Minorities – including national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups.
• Roma, Sinti and Travellers – ensuring protection from discrimination and social exclusion.
• Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Internally Displaced Persons – ensuring non-discrimination and equal opportunities.
• Persons with Disabilities – respecting dignity, accessibility, and equal participation in work.
• People Living in Poverty – under the UN Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights.

Implementation

Due Diligence

• Conduct human rights due diligence across operations and supply chains.
• Screen suppliers and partners for compliance with this policy.
• Terminate relationships where breaches are identified and not remediated.

Training and Awareness

• Provide training to employees and management on human rights obligations.
• Communicate expectations to suppliers and contractors.

Reporting and Grievance

• Maintain confidential reporting channels for employees and stakeholders.
• Investigate all complaints promptly, fairly, and without retaliation.

Monitoring and Review

• This policy is reviewed annually by the Directors of Second Mesh Ltd.
• Regular internal audits will monitor compliance.
• Updates will be made to reflect changes in legislation or international standards.
• Progress will be reported to stakeholders as part of our ESG and corporate responsibility reporting.

Accountability and Governance

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for this policy. Senior management is accountable for implementation, while employees and suppliers must adhere to the standards outlined herein.

Statement of Commitment

Second Mesh Ltd affirms its commitment to respecting human rights in all operations. We will continue to uphold best practice in equality, labour rights, and human dignity, ensuring that our business operations contribute positively to people, communities, and society.