Modern Slavery Statement for Removal Van Barnet
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Removal Van Barnet in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a removals and logistics business, we recognise our responsibility to identify, prevent, and address any risk of exploitation connected to our activities.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Removal Van Barnet has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and any form of servitude. We are committed to conducting our business in an ethical and transparent manner and to ensuring that the people who work for and with us are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment applies to all employees, subcontractors, agency workers, and suppliers.
All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that the principles of fairness, respect, and lawful employment are embedded in day-to-day decision making. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any supplier or contractor found to be involved in modern slavery will face termination of commercial relationships.
Our Operations and Supply Chain
Our core operations involve domestic and commercial removals, packing, storage, and associated logistics services. Our supply chain includes vehicle and equipment providers, fuel suppliers, packaging and storage materials providers, maintenance services, and labour agencies. We recognise that some of these areas, particularly outsourced labour and imported goods, may carry a higher risk of modern slavery and therefore require enhanced scrutiny.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our onboarding and ongoing supplier management processes, we require confirmation that suppliers:
Operate lawful employment practices including fair pay, voluntary work, and safe working conditions. Prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour. Do not use child labour and have robust age verification processes. Respect freedom of movement and do not withhold identity documents or impose unlawful restrictions.
We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, which may include self-assessment questionnaires, requests for documentary evidence, and where appropriate, site visits. These audits are risk-based and may be prioritised for suppliers operating in higher-risk sectors or geographies. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans. Failure to address concerns within a reasonable timeframe may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Removal Van Barnet encourages all employees, workers, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any part of our supply chain.
Reports can be made to line managers or senior management in person or in writing. We also allow concerns to be raised confidentially through internal whistleblowing channels. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff. Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, receive training to help them identify warning signs of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately.
We promote awareness through induction materials, policy briefings, and internal communications. This helps ensure that our zero-tolerance approach is understood across the organisation and that potential risks are identified and escalated quickly.
Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement
Removal Van Barnet recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process. We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our approach. Each year, we will assess the effectiveness of our measures by reviewing reported concerns, audit findings, supplier performance, and any changes in our operational or geographical risk profile.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management, approved at director level, and updated where necessary to reflect lessons learned, changes in legislation, and emerging best practice. Through this process of continuous improvement, we aim to strengthen our controls, deepen engagement with suppliers, and further reduce the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Removal Van Barnet and represents our ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.
