Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van - Removal Services

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Man with Van - Removal Services in respect of our operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in every part of our business. We are committed to conducting our activities ethically and responsibly, and to working only with suppliers and partners who share this commitment.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man with Van - Removal Services provides residential and commercial removal services, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of goods. Our operations are primarily based within the local and regional areas in which we serve customers.

Our supply chains include vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, packaging and materials suppliers, subcontracted drivers and porters, and cleaning and storage services. While our business is relatively small and operates within a limited geographic area, we recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at any level of the supply chain, both domestically and internationally.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to our own operations, our employees, subcontractors, and all suppliers and business partners. Any form of forced labour, child labour, bonded labour, servitude, or exploitation is completely unacceptable.

Our zero-tolerance approach is reflected in our internal policies, codes of conduct, and contractual terms with suppliers. We expect everyone we work with to uphold the same high standards and to ensure that their own practices and supply chains are free from modern slavery.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers who can demonstrate that they operate ethically and in compliance with modern slavery and human rights legislation. Our supplier selection and onboarding processes consider the risk of modern slavery and require suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced or trafficked labour and that they comply with all relevant labour laws.

Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we may conduct checks and audits on suppliers. These may include reviewing their policies and statements on modern slavery, assessing their recruitment and employment practices, and, where feasible, visiting their premises. If any supplier is found to be in breach of our modern slavery requirements, we will seek immediate remediation. Where satisfactory remediation is not possible or not undertaken, we will suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We are developing training and awareness initiatives for our staff and regular subcontractors to help them recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand how to report concerns. Training covers the nature of modern slavery, potential risk indicators in the removals and logistics sector, and our internal reporting procedures.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers to raise any concerns they may have about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised in person with management, in writing to our registered office, or via any established internal reporting mechanism that allows issues to be flagged confidentially.

Reports can be made anonymously where permitted, and we will treat all concerns seriously and with sensitivity. We are committed to ensuring that no person who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation or disadvantage as a result of speaking up.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We regularly review the areas of our business and supply chains that may be more exposed to the risk of modern slavery, such as subcontracted labour, vehicle services, and the sourcing of packing materials. We seek to conduct proportionate due diligence on higher-risk suppliers and take steps to mitigate any identified risks, including strengthening contractual requirements, enhancing monitoring, or, where necessary, changing suppliers.

Monitoring, Performance and Annual Review

We are committed to the continuous improvement of our approach to tackling modern slavery. We monitor our performance through incidents reported, actions taken, and feedback from staff, subcontractors, and suppliers. Lessons learned from any investigation or concern raised are used to improve our policies and practices.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business, supply chains, legal obligations, and best practice. The review will consider the effectiveness of our policies, the adequacy of our supplier checks, the level of staff awareness, and any emerging risks within the removals and logistics sector.

Man with Van - Removal Services remains fully committed to acting ethically, promoting human rights, and working to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business or supply chains.