Modern Slavery Statement for Man and a Van

Purpose: This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitments and actions of our Man and a Van business (also referred to as our man-and-van operation and Man & Van service) to identify, prevent and remedy any forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour or exploitation within our activities and supply chains.

We operate a small, local man and a van service that moves goods, assists with removals and provides courier solutions. Our zero-tolerance policy against modern slavery applies to all employees, drivers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers engaged with the man-and-van business. We make clear that any form of forced labour, debt bondage, withholding of wages, excessive working hours or abusive practices will not be tolerated.

Supply Chain Commitments and Supplier Audits

We recognise that risks of exploitation can occur in the wider supply chain for a Man and Van provider, including vehicle maintenance, outsourced labour, cleaning services and warehousing. To manage these risks we carry out proportionate due diligence and supplier audits focused on high-risk suppliers and services. Our approach includes:

• Risk assessment: identifying suppliers and services where vulnerable workers are most likely to be present;
• Contractual clauses: requiring suppliers to comply with our anti-slavery standards and to permit audits;
• Supplier audits and checks: scheduled checks, documentary reviews and site visits for higher-risk partners.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We provide clear reporting channels to allow workers, contractors and members of the public to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery. These channels include anonymous reporting mechanisms, escalation to senior management and referral to appropriate authorities where required. We will protect individuals who report in good faith from retaliation, and we will treat reports confidentially and investigate them promptly.

Our recruitment and vetting procedures for the man-and-van workforce include verification of identity and right to work, checks on recruitment intermediaries and clear terms of engagement for drivers and helpers. We require suppliers to demonstrate that they pay fair wages, maintain safe working conditions and do not impose recruitment fees on workers. Where issues are identified, we work with the supplier to remediate and, if necessary, terminate the relationship.

Training and awareness are central to our prevention strategy. All staff, including temporary drivers and agency workers, receive training on recognising signs of exploitation, the obligations of our man and a van service, and how to use the reporting channels. We maintain records of training and continuously update materials to reflect emerging risks in the transport and logistics sector.

We monitor performance through regular review of supplier compliance, investigation outcomes and corrective action plans. Our supplier audits assess documentation, employment practices and living conditions where relevant. Remediation may include worker support, repayment of unlawful deductions, improved employment contracts and termination of non-compliant suppliers.

Accountability and governance for modern slavery fall to senior management. We embed anti-slavery responsibilities into procurement processes, contract approvals and operational policies. Annual review: this Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to ensure it remains effective, to report on progress and to adapt to new risks associated with the man and van sector.

We are committed to continuous improvement across our Man and Van operations. Through robust supplier audits, clear reporting channels, staff training and a strict zero-tolerance policy, our aim is to prevent exploitation and to ensure that our business and partners operate ethically and transparently. This statement is published for the benefit of our stakeholders and will be updated following each annual review to reflect the actions taken, lessons learned and the evolving nature of the risks we face.