Hornchurch Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Hornchurch Man and Van takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a responsible removals and transportation business, we recognise our duty to uphold human rights, promote fair working conditions, and ensure that exploitation has no place in any part of our activities.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Hornchurch Man and Van is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Hornchurch Man and Van operates a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all employees, workers, contractors, agency staff, and any third parties acting on our behalf. We will not knowingly engage with any individual or organisation involved in modern slavery, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party found to be in breach of this principle.

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects our values of respect, fairness, and integrity. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of this policy, ensuring that relevant team members understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to raise concerns.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Although our operations are primarily local and regional, we understand that modern slavery risks may arise through our supply chains, including vehicle sourcing, fuel and equipment suppliers, recruitment agencies, and any subcontracted transport services. We aim to work only with suppliers and partners who share our commitment to ethical conduct and lawful employment practices.

We seek to reduce risk in our supply chain through clear expectations and proportionate due diligence. Where appropriate, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws, including those related to forced labour and human trafficking. We assess suppliers on the basis of their reputation, compliance history, and transparency about labour practices.

Hornchurch Man and Van may conduct supplier audits or request evidence to verify compliance with our modern slavery standards. These may include reviewing policy documents, codes of conduct, training materials, or other relevant records. Where potential issues are identified, we will work with the supplier to address them promptly. If adequate remediation cannot be achieved, we will consider suspending or ending the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone connected with Hornchurch Man and Van, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers, to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking in confidence. No individual who raises a concern in good faith will face retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up.

Concerns can be reported directly to line managers or senior management. Where an individual feels unable to raise a matter locally, they may escalate it to a more senior member of the management team. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed with appropriate action, which may include engaging with authorities where necessary.

We also encourage suppliers to maintain their own whistleblowing and grievance procedures, ensuring that workers in their organisations can report mistreatment or exploitation safely.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

Hornchurch Man and Van is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery among our workforce. Relevant team members are made aware of the nature of modern slavery risks within the transport and logistics sector and the importance of vigilance in identifying signs of exploitation. We promote a culture where ethical concerns are openly discussed and where respect for human rights is integral to decision-making.

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We will continue to review and improve our internal procedures, supplier management processes, and staff awareness to strengthen our prevention and detection capabilities.

Annual Review of This Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Hornchurch Man and Van to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and reflective of current best practice and legal requirements. As part of the review, we consider any incidents reported, the outcome of supplier assessments or audits, and feedback from staff and stakeholders.

Where necessary, we will update our policies, training materials, and supplier expectations to address new or emerging risks. The updated statement will be approved at a senior level and made available to employees, suppliers, and customers so that our commitment to preventing modern slavery is transparent and clearly communicated.

Hornchurch Man and Van remains fully committed to playing its part in eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our industry and the wider community.