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:
- Law No. 151 of 2020 on personal data protection (PDPL);
- Egyptian labor law and social insurance regulations;
- Tax compliance and reporting obligations;
- Environmental protection laws;
- Anti-corruption and anti-bribery legislation (including the Penal Code and relevant decrees).
- 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 comply with Egypt’s laws prohibiting slavery, debt bondage, or any form of coerced labor.
- Ensure fair compensation: Employees must be paid in accordance with Egyptian minimum wage laws, including overtime pay, benefits, and social security contributions.
- Promote equal opportunity and respect: Hiring, promotion, and workplace treatment must be free from discrimination or harassment based on gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or other protected characteristics.
- Protect worker health and safety: Work environments must meet Egyptian occupational health and safety standards and provide appropriate training and protective equipment.
- Upholding Ethical Standards
Suppliers must act with honesty and fairness in all dealings with Unum and other parties.
- Anti-corruption: Bribes, facilitation payments, or other improper influence are strictly forbidden. Suppliers must comply with Egyptian anti-corruption laws and international standards where applicable.
- Intellectual property: Suppliers must protect Unum’s intellectual property and may not use Unum trademarks, branding, or proprietary materials without prior written authorization.
- Data protection: If handling personal or confidential data on Unum’s behalf, Suppliers must comply with Law No. 151 of 2020 and implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards.
- Accurate records: All financial and business records must be complete, honest, and auditable.
- Gifts and hospitality: Any gifts, meals, or invitations to Unum personnel must be of modest value and must not influence or appear to influence decision-making.
- Conflicts of interest: Suppliers must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, including family or personal relationships with Unum employees that may affect objectivity.
- Environmental Responsibility
Unum expects its Suppliers to minimize environmental harm by:
- Reducing waste, emissions, and excessive energy use;
- Complying with Egyptian environmental protection laws;
- Managing hazardous materials responsibly and promoting sustainability and conservation initiatives.
- Confidential Information
Suppliers must protect all confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information provided by Unum. This includes financial data, strategic plans, customer information, technical materials, or other non-public data. Disclosure is only permitted if required by Egyptian law or authorized in writing by Unum.
- Raising Concerns
Suppliers are encouraged to report unethical behavior, violations of this Guide, or legal concerns via Unum’s Compliance Reporting Mechanism or to their designated Unum contact. Reports will be treated confidentially and fairly. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.
- Enforcement and Review
Unum reserves the right to monitor and assess Supplier compliance with this Guide. Any Supplier found to be in breach may face suspension or termination of the business relationship. This Guide may be updated periodically, and changes will be communicated accordingly.