Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Man With a Van Hounslow is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, suppliers, and other business partners associated with our services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This includes forced labour, bonded labour, involuntary or exploitative work, child labour, and any form of human trafficking for labour or sexual exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with any individual or organisation involved in such practices, and we expect the same high standards from everyone we work with.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that their teams understand our values and obligations. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any breach by suppliers or contractors may result in suspension or termination of our business relationship.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man With a Van Hounslow provides transport, removals, and related services to domestic and commercial customers. Our operations rely on drivers, porters, administrative staff, and a network of trusted suppliers and subcontractors. These suppliers may provide vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, facilities, and support services.

We recognise that elements of the logistics and transport sector can be vulnerable to labour exploitation, especially where temporary, seasonal, or subcontracted labour is used. We are therefore focused on ensuring that our own recruitment practices and those of our suppliers minimise the risk of modern slavery.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers, subcontractors, and other business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As a condition of doing business with us, suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and to maintain fair and transparent working practices.

We conduct due diligence on key suppliers, which may include requesting information about their labour practices, working conditions, and compliance procedures. Where appropriate, we may carry out audits of suppliers, either directly or through third parties, to verify that they meet our standards. These audits may involve reviewing records, policies, and procedures, and, where possible, speaking with workers to ensure they are employed freely and fairly.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will work with them to address the issue through corrective action plans and clear timescales. Where serious breaches are identified, or where a supplier is unwilling to improve, we reserve the right to terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, and stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices in our operations or supply chains. Individuals are encouraged to raise concerns directly with their line manager or a senior manager. Concerns may also be raised anonymously where this is appropriate and permitted by law.

No one who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up. We treat all reports seriously, investigate them promptly and fairly, and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified. We maintain confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks across our workforce. Relevant staff receive guidance on how to identify potential warning signs, such as signs of coercion, restricted freedom of movement, or inconsistent documentation. We encourage managers and supervisors to remain alert to potential issues when engaging and supervising staff and subcontractors.

We also look for opportunities to improve our procedures, drawing on industry guidance, legal developments, and feedback from employees and partners. Our goal is to continually strengthen our ability to identify and address modern slavery risks in a proactive and effective way.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the leadership of Man With a Van Hounslow. As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence, audits, and training, and we consider whether any changes are needed to respond to emerging risks or regulatory developments.

We are committed to transparency and accountability. This statement reflects our ongoing efforts to maintain high ethical standards and to ensure that all people working in or connected to our business are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

This statement has been approved on behalf of Man With a Van Hounslow and is effective for the current financial year.