Watford Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Watford Man and Van to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act ethically in all areas of our business, including transportation, removals, storage support, and associated services.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Watford Man and Van has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of every individual, and we expect the same high standards from all those with whom we work.
Any form of exploitation, including coercion, debt bondage, abuse of vulnerability, or withholding of identity documents, is strictly prohibited. We will take immediate and appropriate action where any concerns arise regarding potential modern slavery within our own operations or the activities of our suppliers and contractors.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Watford Man and Van operates within the local and regional removals, man and van, and light logistics sector. Our supply chain includes vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, packaging material providers, storage facilities, recruitment and labour agencies, and a range of professional service partners.
We recognise that certain areas of our supply chain may present a higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly where temporary, agency, or subcontracted labour is involved, or where goods are sourced from higher-risk regions. We assess these risks and tailor our due diligence and monitoring accordingly.
Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We are committed to integrating modern slavery considerations into our procurement and supplier management processes. Before engaging new suppliers or contractors, we take reasonable steps to understand their approach to labour standards, worker welfare, and ethical conduct.
Where proportionate to the level of risk, we may conduct supplier audits, which can include reviews of policies, procedures, worker documentation, and, where feasible, site visits. We expect suppliers to demonstrate that they:
Operate in compliance with applicable labour and human rights laws.
Do not use forced, bonded, or involuntary labour.
Ensure workers are employed voluntarily and are free to leave with reasonable notice.
Provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and appropriate working hours.
If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our minimum standards, we may suspend, review, or terminate the relationship. We also encourage continuous improvement and will, where appropriate, work collaboratively with suppliers to address identified gaps.
Training and Awareness
We aim to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our management team, drivers, operations staff, and those involved in procurement or recruitment. Training and guidance focus on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding reporting routes, and reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance.
Staff with responsibility for engaging suppliers or labour providers receive additional guidance on assessing risk, conducting basic due diligence, and maintaining appropriate records.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Watford Man and Van encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business to report them promptly. Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or through our internal reporting mechanisms.
We take all reports seriously and handle them sensitively, ensuring that issues are investigated and addressed as appropriate. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith, whether they are employees, contractors, suppliers, or other third parties.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. Each year, we review this statement and our related procedures to reflect any changes in our operations, supply chain, legal requirements, and best practice guidance.
The annual review considers the effectiveness of our controls, feedback from audits and supplier assessments, any reported concerns, and evolving risk areas. Where necessary, we update our policies, contracts, and training materials to strengthen protections against modern slavery.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Watford Man and Van and represents our ongoing commitment to conducting business ethically, transparently, and with full respect for the rights and freedoms of all individuals connected to our operations.
