Effective Date: July 28, 2025
Unum requires all entities providing goods or services to us—including vendors, service providers, and contractors (hereinafter referred to as “Suppliers”)—to operate with the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This Ethical Business Practices Guide for Suppliers (“Guide”) sets out the minimum requirements expected of all Suppliers. It supplements each Supplier’s internal policies, legal obligations, and contractual commitments with Unum.
- Legal Compliance
Suppliers must fully comply with all applicable Egyptian laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 and its amendments;
- The Digital Security Act, 2018 and applicable data protection regulations (including the draft Personal Data Protection Act);
- Tax and customs laws, financial reporting obligations, and anti-money laundering provisions;
- Environmental protection and waste management laws;
- Anti-bribery and anti-corruption provisions under the Penal Code and related regulations.
- Commitment to Labour and Human Rights
Unum upholds the principles of human dignity, equality, and fair treatment. Suppliers are expected to:
- Prohibit forced labor and human trafficking: All work must be voluntary. Suppliers must ensure compliance with Bangladeshi labor laws that prohibit slavery, debt bondage, child labor, or any form of coercion.
- Ensure fair compensation: Employees must be paid at least the legal minimum wage and in accordance with local labor laws, including benefits, overtime pay, and social security obligations (e.g., gratuity, provident fund).
- Promote equal opportunity and respect: Hiring, promotion, and treatment at work must be free from discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or other protected traits.
- Protect worker health and safety: Workplaces must comply with occupational health and safety standards as set forth in Bangladeshi law and provide protective equipment, training, and safe conditions.
- Upholding Ethical Standards
Suppliers must act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all business dealings.
- Anti-corruption: Bribery, kickbacks, and facilitation payments are strictly prohibited. Suppliers must comply with Bangladesh’s anti-corruption legislation and international anti-bribery norms where applicable.
- Intellectual property: Suppliers must respect and protect Unum’s intellectual property. Use of trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary content requires prior written approval.
- Data protection: If handling personal or sensitive data for or on behalf of Unum, Suppliers must follow applicable privacy laws in Bangladesh, including the Digital Security Act and future data protection regulations. Adequate technical and organizational safeguards must be in place.
- Accurate records: Business and financial records must be complete, truthful, and maintained in compliance with accounting standards and audit requirements.
- Gifts and hospitality: Any gifts, meals, or hospitality provided to Unum employees must be of nominal value and must not influence or appear to influence decision-making.
- Conflicts of interest: Any actual or potential conflicts of interest—such as personal relationships with Unum employees—must be disclosed promptly.
- Environmental Responsibility
Unum is committed to environmental sustainability and expects Suppliers to:
- Minimize environmental impact by reducing emissions, waste, and energy consumption;
- Comply with Bangladeshi environmental regulations, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials;
- Promote sustainable practices and resource conservation where feasible.
- Confidential Information
Suppliers must safeguard all confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information received from Unum. This includes strategic plans, financial information, technical specifications, client data, and other non-public information. Disclosure is only permitted when legally mandated under Bangladeshi law or explicitly authorized by Unum in writing.
- Raising Concerns
Suppliers are encouraged to report ethical concerns, breaches of this Guide, or suspected illegal conduct through Unum’s Compliance Reporting Mechanism or via their designated contact at Unum. All reports will be handled confidentially. Retaliation against any supplier or individual acting in good faith is strictly prohibited.
- Enforcement and Review
Unum reserves the right to audit, monitor, and evaluate Supplier adherence to this Guide. Any Supplier found to be in violation may face corrective action, up to and including suspension or termination of the business relationship. This Guide is subject to review and may be updated periodically. Revisions will be communicated as needed.