Revising the code of practice on ethical employment in supply chains: Welsh language impact assessment

The revised Code demonstrates a clear and coherent alignment with the ambitions of Cymraeg 2050 and its related Work Programme for 2021–2026. Although the primary purpose of the Code is to promote ethical employment practices, prevent modern slavery and drive fair work within supply chains, its design and implementation support several key principles underpinning Cymraeg 2050.

The Code will be published bilingually, ensuring that all guidance, tools, training materials and support documents are equally accessible in Welsh and English. This approach reflects the strategy’s commitment to increasing the use of Welsh in the workplace and normalising Welsh across public services. 

Additionally, the revised Code aligns with the strategic priority of strengthening the socio‑economic foundations of Welsh‑speaking communities. By supporting responsible procurement, fair employment and local foundational economies, the Code contributes indirectly to creating stable and culturally resilient community environments—conditions that can underpin increased use and visibility of Welsh in everyday life.

Overall, the proposal supports the spirit and direction of Cymraeg 2050 by enabling language choice, promoting bilingual practice and helping sustain the economic health of communities where Welsh is widely spoken.

The revised Code is assessed as having a neutral to positive impact on the Welsh language, with no adverse or disproportionate impacts identified for Welsh speakers of any age. All materials associated with the Code, including guidance, supporting tools and consultation documents, will be delivered bilingually, ensuring equitable access for Welsh‑speaking organisations, workers and communities. This bilingual approach supports the Welsh Government’s long‑standing commitment to enabling people to use Welsh in the workplace and in public services.

Although the revised Code is not a Welsh‑language intervention, its commitments may generate indirect positive impacts. By strengthening fair work expectations, supporting responsible procurement and encouraging the development of resilient local and foundational economies, the Code helps create more stable and secure workplaces which can support the use of Welsh in the workplace. This in turn supports the sustainability of Welsh‑speaking communities, particularly in areas where local employment and foundational economic activity play a central role in maintaining cultural and linguistic identity.

The proposal will not reduce opportunities to use Welsh, nor will it place any barriers in front of Welsh‑speaking stakeholders. Consultation feedback from Welsh speakers and language organisations will be used to ensure that implementation remains supportive of linguistic needs and does not create unintended barriers.

In summary, the proposal supports the Welsh language by encouraging employment conditions that are more likely to embed bilingual practice, enable language choice, and help sustain the socio‑economic conditions that underpin the vitality and long‑term resilience of Welsh‑speaking communities.