Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Man with Van Woolwich in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings, and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of modern slavery.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Man with Van Woolwich provides transport, removals and related services. Our operations are primarily based in the United Kingdom, and we work with a range of suppliers including vehicle hire companies, fuel providers, equipment and packaging suppliers, and occasional subcontracted drivers or movers. While our business is relatively small and local, we acknowledge that modern slavery risks may exist at different tiers of our supply chain, particularly where goods or services originate from higher-risk sectors or jurisdictions.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, workers, subcontractors and suppliers who supply goods or services to Man with Van Woolwich. We expect everyone we work with to share our commitment to human rights, fair treatment, and lawful working practices.
Any individual or organisation that is found to be involved in, or complicit with, modern slavery will face decisive action, which may include termination of contracts, cessation of business relationships, and, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities. We will not knowingly engage with any supplier or partner who refuses to cooperate with our efforts to prevent modern slavery.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We seek to work with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate that they operate in compliance with applicable labour laws and ethical standards. As part of our supplier due diligence, we consider the nature of the goods or services being provided, the geographic location of operations, and any sector-specific risks.
Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we may carry out audits or request evidence of suppliers own policies, procedures and controls to prevent modern slavery. This may include requesting information about their workforce, use of subcontractors, recruitment practices, and compliance with wage and working time regulations. If concerns arise, we may conduct further checks or inspections, require corrective action plans, or discontinue the relationship if we are not satisfied with the response.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
We encourage all employees, workers, subcontractors and suppliers to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery or unethical practices in our business or supply chain. Reports may relate to suspected exploitation, unfair working conditions, recruitment fees, retention of identity documents, or any other conduct that may indicate the presence of forced labour or trafficking.
Concerns can be raised directly with management or through any internal reporting channel made available to staff and workers. We will take all reports seriously, handle them sensitively, and investigate them promptly. We are committed to ensuring that no one suffers any form of retaliation or detrimental treatment for raising concerns in good faith about modern slavery or human rights abuses.
Training and Awareness
We seek to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among those working for or with Man with Van Woolwich, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management and recruitment. Training and guidance may cover how to identify signs of exploitation, how to escalate concerns, and how to apply our zero-tolerance approach in day-to-day decisions.
We also aim to communicate our expectations clearly to suppliers and subcontractors, highlighting our stance on modern slavery and the need for them to maintain robust controls and transparency in their own operations and supply chains.
Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review
The responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the leadership of Man with Van Woolwich. We monitor the effectiveness of our measures by reviewing any reported concerns, supplier feedback, audit outcomes and relevant changes in law or best practice. Where we identify areas for improvement, we will update our processes and guidance accordingly.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to ensure it remains current, effective and appropriate for the nature and scale of our operations. As our business evolves, or as new risks are identified, we will refine our approach, strengthen our controls and work with our suppliers to promote ethical and lawful working conditions throughout our supply chains.
This Statement has been approved by the management of Man with Van Woolwich and will be updated and published annually.
