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 complements each Supplier’s internal policies, legal obligations, and contractual commitments with Unum.
- Legal Compliance
Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in South Africa, including but not limited to:
- Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, including amendments;
- Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA);
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993;
- South African laws relating to taxation, accounting, and corporate governance (e.g. Companies Act 71 of 2008);
- Anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering legislation, including the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004;
- Environmental laws under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and related municipal or national regulations.
- Commitment to Labour and Human Rights
Unum values fairness, dignity, and equality in the workplace. Suppliers are expected to:
- Prohibit forced labour and human trafficking: All work must be voluntary. Suppliers must not engage in any form of slavery, child labour, bonded labour, or coercion.
- Ensure fair compensation: Employees must be paid at least the legal minimum wage and provided with benefits in line with South African labour law, including overtime pay, annual leave, and UIF contributions.
- Promote non-discrimination: Employment practices must be free from discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected under the Employment Equity Act.
- Protect occupational health and safety: Workplaces must meet OHS standards, provide training, and ensure employees have access to appropriate safety equipment and conditions.
- Upholding Ethical Standards
Suppliers must conduct all business dealings with honesty, integrity, and transparency.
- Anti-corruption: No form of bribery, kickbacks, or unlawful inducements will be tolerated. Suppliers must comply with all relevant anti-corruption and procurement integrity laws.
- Intellectual property: Unum’s trademarks, confidential methods, or proprietary systems must not be used without written consent.
- Data protection: Where Suppliers handle personal information on Unum’s behalf, they must adhere to POPIA and maintain adequate security safeguards.
- Accurate recordkeeping: All documentation must be truthful, transparent, and auditable in compliance with South African law and international accounting standards.
- Gifts and hospitality: Any gift or benefit offered to Unum personnel must be modest in value and must not influence, or appear to influence, any business decision.
- Conflicts of interest: Any actual or potential conflict involving Unum employees must be disclosed promptly and transparently.
- Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers are expected to take proactive steps toward environmental stewardship by:
- Minimizing waste, carbon emissions, and excessive use of natural resources;
- Ensuring full compliance with environmental legislation and waste disposal regulations;
- Integrating sustainable practices and green technologies across operations and supply chains.
- Confidential Information
Suppliers must protect all confidential, sensitive, and proprietary information received from Unum. This includes but is not limited to: business plans, financials, client data, pricing, systems, and technical documentation. Disclosure is only permitted when required by South African law or with Unum’s express written permission.
- Raising Concerns
Suppliers are encouraged to report any suspected misconduct, violations of this Guide, or unethical behavior using Unum’s Compliance Reporting Mechanism or through their designated Unum point of contact. Reports will be handled confidentially. Unum prohibits retaliation against any party who reports concerns in good faith.
- Enforcement and Review
Unum reserves the right to audit, inspect, or monitor Suppliers for compliance with this Guide. Violations may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of the business relationship. This Guide may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law or corporate policy. Any material changes will be communicated to Suppliers.