Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Man and a Van Hounslow
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Man and a Van Hounslow to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a local transport and removals business, we recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and commercial activities.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Man and a Van Hounslow operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that respects human rights and complies with all applicable laws and regulations relating to modern slavery and labour standards.
No form of exploitation is acceptable in our organisation or in the organisations with which we work. We expect the same high standards from all our employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or other appropriate action.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Man and a Van Hounslow provides man and van, removals, and related logistical services. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, storage facilities, and ancillary services. While our supply chains are relatively short and primarily domestic, we recognise that risks can exist at any level and we remain vigilant to potential issues.
We seek to work only with reputable suppliers and partners who share our commitment to ethical conduct, fair treatment of workers, and compliance with labour laws and regulations.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We require our key suppliers and service providers to operate in a way that is consistent with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. This includes a clear expectation that they:
Comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws in the countries where they operate.
Prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour of any kind.
Prohibit child labour and ensure appropriate age verification procedures.
Provide fair working conditions, including appropriate working hours, wages, and benefits.
Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we may request information from suppliers about their own modern slavery policies and practices. We also reserve the right to conduct audits or assessments of suppliers, either directly or through third parties, to verify compliance with our standards. Any supplier found to be in breach of these principles may be subject to remedial action, up to and including the termination of the business relationship.
Employee Awareness and Reporting Channels
All staff working for or on behalf of Man and a Van Hounslow are expected to act with integrity and to support our efforts to identify and address modern slavery risks. We encourage employees, agency workers, drivers, and contractors to remain alert to signs of exploitation, such as evidence of coercion, restriction of movement, or withholding of identification documents.
To facilitate the raising of concerns, we maintain clear internal reporting channels. Any individual who suspects that modern slavery or human trafficking may be taking place in connection with our business or supply chain is urged to report their concerns promptly to management. Reports may be made in person or in writing, and can be raised anonymously if preferred.
We will treat all reports seriously and sensitively, and we will not tolerate any victimisation or retaliation against those who raise concerns in good faith.
Governance, Accountability, and Training
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery measures rests with the senior management of Man and a Van Hounslow. Management is accountable for ensuring that appropriate controls, policies, and procedures are in place and that they are implemented effectively.
Where relevant, we provide information to staff about the nature of modern slavery, common indicators, and the correct procedures for reporting concerns. We also review our internal procedures periodically to ensure they remain proportionate and effective for the size and nature of our business.
Risk Management and Continuous Improvement
We review our operations and supplier relationships to identify potential areas of higher risk, for example where low-skilled labour or subcontracted services may be involved. Where we identify heightened risks, we may apply enhanced due diligence, request additional information from suppliers, or adjust our procurement decisions.
We are committed to continuous improvement and will seek to strengthen our approach over time. This may include updating our contractual terms with suppliers, refining our audit and assessment processes, and improving staff awareness initiatives.
Annual Review of this Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and effective. As part of the review, we consider any changes to our business operations, supply chains, legal obligations, and industry best practice.
Following each review, we will update this statement where necessary to reflect any new measures or enhancements introduced to further combat modern slavery and human trafficking within our sphere of influence.
