Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Man and Van Kingston upon Thames

Man and Van Kingston upon Thames is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to promote fair, safe, and respectful working conditions for everyone connected to our services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate under a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. This applies to our own team members, temporary and agency workers, contractors, and all suppliers providing goods or services connected to our removal and transport operations. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual involved in practices that violate basic human rights or labour standards.

All managers and supervisors are required to promote a culture of integrity and accountability, ensuring that any concerns about labour practices are taken seriously and acted upon promptly. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, and any supplier found to be in breach may have their relationship with us suspended or terminated.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, storage facilities, packaging materials, and labour-related services. We expect all suppliers to comply with all applicable laws relating to employment, working conditions, and human rights, and to ensure that no form of modern slavery is present in their operations.

As part of our due diligence, we communicate our expectations to new and existing suppliers. We require that they maintain transparent employment practices, including the fair recruitment of workers, the voluntary nature of work, the prohibition of child labour, and the provision of safe working environments. We reserve the right to request evidence of compliance, such as policies, statements, or relevant certifications.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance stance, we undertake proportionate supplier audits and ongoing monitoring. These may be carried out through questionnaires, document reviews, and, where appropriate, site visits. Our focus is on identifying and assessing risks of modern slavery in higher-risk areas, such as labour-intensive services or multi-tier supply chains.

If a supplier is found to present a risk or to be non-compliant with our standards, we will engage with them to develop a corrective action plan within a reasonable timeframe. Where meaningful improvement is not demonstrated, we may discontinue the relationship. Records of audits and any remedial actions are kept to support continuous improvement in our approach.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to raise any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, unfair recruitment practices, withholding of wages, unsafe working conditions, or any indication that an individual is being coerced or controlled.

Reports can be made in person to management, through internal reporting channels, or by following our whistleblowing procedures, which allow concerns to be raised confidentially and, if desired, anonymously. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Every report will be taken seriously, promptly investigated, and addressed in line with our policies and legal obligations.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to building awareness of modern slavery risks across our organisation. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, receive guidance on identifying signs of modern slavery and on how to respond to concerns. We continue to review our training materials to ensure they remain current and effective.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Man and Van Kingston upon Thames to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with our values and legal requirements. As part of the review, we assess any incidents or concerns raised, the effectiveness of our supplier audits, and opportunities to strengthen our due diligence processes.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our policies, procedures, and training as necessary to further reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. This statement represents our ongoing commitment to ethical business practices and respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals.