BUSINESSES failing to set out how they will tackle modern slavery are to be put under extra pressure from Scottish ministers.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said he will write to every major company in Scotland suspected of flouting rules to prevent human trafficking.

Firms with a turnover of more than £36 million are legally required to publish an annual statement outlining how they help prevent modern slavery in their supply chains.

But research shows a "significant minority" do not appear to have published statements.

Ministers have now drawn up guidance aimed at helping bosses identify and prevent exploitation. This includes ensuring workers have access to identification documents and boosting staff training.

Speaking at an Anti-Slavery Day conference hosted by the Scottish Government and local government body Cosla, Mr Yousaf said: "Human trafficking and exploitation prey on the most vulnerable in society.

"Often hidden in plain sight and in legitimate businesses, these offences are on the increase worldwide.

"Since our Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy was published in 2017 we have made significant progress but businesses need to understand the risks and tackle the conditions that foster these crimes.

"With investors increasingly focusing on human trafficking as a business risk, this is one issue that boards simply cannot afford to ignore."

He added: "The guidance launched today offers practical advice for businesses of all sizes and I hope it will help more companies to identify and trafficking and exploitation across their operations, including in their supply chains.

"Our biggest firms must lead by example, ensuring they are not complicit in these horrendous crimes, and that is why I am writing to companies to demand urgent action."

Mr Yousaf insisted Scottish businesses are "profiting, whether consciously or unconsciously, from this modern form of slavery".

The new guidance was developed with advice from major firms such as HSBC, the Co-op, Multiplex Construction and energy giant SSE.

Alison McGregor, CEO of HSBC Scotland, said: “Every business plays a critical role in supporting the eradication of human trafficking and helping those that have been affected by it and HSBC is proud to play its part.

"This guidance is an important new tool for all.”