Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames
Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. This Modern Slavery Statement explains our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency staff, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of our business.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, organisation or supplier involved in such practices. We expect all parties connected to Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames to share our commitment to human rights, fair working conditions, and lawful employment practices.
All workers must be free to choose employment and to leave that employment with reasonable notice. There must be no use of forced, bonded or involuntary labour, and no worker should be required to pay recruitment fees or surrender identity documents as a condition of work.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames provides transport, removals and related services in and around Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas. Our supply chain primarily includes vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, cleaning and premises services, and recruitment and labour agencies where used.
Given the nature and scale of our business, we recognise that certain areas of the logistics and labour supply sectors may carry a higher risk of exploitation. We aim to identify, assess and minimise these risks through robust due diligence, supplier oversight and clear contractual expectations.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers to comply with relevant employment, modern slavery and human rights legislation. Our supplier standards require that workers are employed voluntarily, receive fair pay, and work in safe conditions with reasonable working hours.
We are developing and implementing a risk-based approach to supplier audits. This includes:
Reviewing supplier policies and statements on modern slavery and labour standards where available.
Requesting information on supplier recruitment practices, right-to-work checks and use of labour agencies.
Conducting periodic checks, which may include site visits where appropriate and feasible, particularly for higher-risk categories or where concerns have been raised.
Where a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we will seek to work with them to address gaps within a defined timeframe. If significant issues are not resolved, we will consider terminating the relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers and customers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chain. Concerns may include unfair working conditions, retention of passports, signs of coercion, or indications that individuals are not free to leave their employment.
Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or through internal reporting routes established within the business. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
All reports will be investigated promptly and, where necessary, referred to the appropriate authorities. We will cooperate fully with law enforcement and relevant agencies in any investigation relating to modern slavery.
Training and Awareness
We are working to improve awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement and supplier management. Training and guidance will focus on recognising indicators of exploitation, understanding our procedures for due diligence, and knowing how to report concerns.
We expect managers and supervisors to promote a culture of openness, respect and compliance with our zero-tolerance approach.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We are committed to continually improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. Each year we will review this statement and our associated procedures to assess their effectiveness and identify further steps we can take.
The annual review will consider changes in our business operations, updates in legislation or best practice, findings from supplier audits, the number and nature of any concerns reported, and feedback from employees and suppliers.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames and will be updated at least annually to reflect our ongoing efforts and responsibilities.
