Modern Slavery Statement
West Hampstead Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by West Hampstead Man and Van in relation to our activities and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in every part of our operations. This statement sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address risks of modern slavery in our business and among our suppliers.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
West Hampstead Man and Van operates with a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any form of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, or any practices that involve the exploitation or abuse of vulnerable individuals. This commitment applies to our direct workforce, agency workers, contractors, and all organisations that form part of our supply chain.
All managers, supervisors, and workers are expected to uphold this position and to act immediately if they become aware of any suspected exploitation linked to our operations. We aim to foster a culture in which respect for human rights is integral to everyday decision-making.
Our Business and Supply Chains
West Hampstead Man and Van provides local and regional moving and transportation services. Our activities involve vehicle operations, packing and handling services, and related logistics. We work with a range of suppliers, including vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, and occasional subcontracted labour.
We recognise that certain sectors connected to logistics and manual labour can carry higher risks of exploitation, particularly where migrant workers or agency staff are engaged. Accordingly, we place emphasis on understanding who is involved in delivering services and how they are treated and paid.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
To support our zero-tolerance stance, we apply due diligence procedures when selecting and reviewing suppliers and subcontractors. We aim to work only with reputable businesses that share our commitment to ethical conduct and fair treatment of workers.
As part of our approach, we may conduct supplier audits or request evidence of compliance measures. These audits can include requesting policies on modern slavery and human trafficking, reviewing labour practices, and confirming that workers receive fair pay, legal working hours, and safe working conditions. Where appropriate, we may require suppliers to confirm that they in turn conduct checks on their own supply chains.
If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we may suspend or terminate the relationship. We are committed to working constructively with suppliers to improve practices, but we will not knowingly allow exploitation to continue.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Everyone connected with West Hampstead Man and Van must be able to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. We encourage employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they suspect any form of modern slavery or unethical labour practice linked to our business or supply chain.
Concerns can be raised directly with line managers or senior management. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. Where it is safe and appropriate, we will seek to protect the identity of individuals who raise concerns in good faith. No one will suffer adverse treatment for reporting a genuine concern, even if it is later found to be unfounded.
Where there is evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking, we will take immediate action, which may include notifying relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals, and ending relationships with responsible parties.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our team. Where relevant, we will provide training or guidance materials to managers and staff who are involved in recruitment, supplier selection, or day-to-day supervision of workers. This helps ensure that potential indicators of exploitation, such as withheld documents, restricted movement, or signs of coercion, are recognised and reported promptly.
Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the nature, scale, and risk profile of our operations. As our business and supply chains evolve, we will update our procedures, due diligence checks, and training activities to address any emerging risks.
The annual review will consider any reported incidents, the outcomes of supplier audits, feedback from staff and stakeholders, and developments in best practice and legislation. Where necessary, we will strengthen our policies, refine our processes, and set new objectives to further mitigate the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.
By maintaining a zero-tolerance approach, reinforcing robust supplier oversight, encouraging open reporting, and committing to ongoing review, West Hampstead Man and Van aims to play a responsible role in preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all people associated with our business.