Man and a Van Paddington Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Man and a Van Paddington in respect of our operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and in the services and goods we procure. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights, and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our dealings.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Man and a Van Paddington adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour. We expect the same high standards from all who work with us and for us, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. Any indication of modern slavery within our operations or supply chain will be investigated promptly, and appropriate remedial and disciplinary actions will be taken, which may include termination of contracts and reporting to relevant authorities.
We are committed to maintaining a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where employment is freely chosen. Workers must be free to leave their employment after reasonable notice, retain control over their personal documents, and never be required to pay recruitment fees.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Man and a Van Paddington provides local and regional transport, removals, and related services. Our supply chain primarily includes vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, and occasional use of subcontracted drivers or logistics partners. We recognise that some sectors, such as logistics and temporary labour, may carry higher risks of labour exploitation, and we focus our efforts accordingly.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We are strengthening our supplier due diligence to identify, assess, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains. Our approach includes:
Requiring suppliers and subcontractors to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws and that they have their own policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery. Assessing new suppliers based on their location, industry, use of temporary labour, and publicly available information relating to ethical practices. Reserving the right to conduct proportionate risk-based audits or request evidence of compliance, such as policies, training records, and labour standards certifications.
Where concerns are identified, we will engage with the supplier to seek improvement plans. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address serious issues, we will consider suspending or ending the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns relating to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices in our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised directly with management or through existing internal reporting routes. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.
No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats, or any other unfavourable treatment as a result of speaking up. All credible allegations will be investigated promptly, and where appropriate, we will cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Training and Awareness
We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our management and operational staff. This includes providing guidance on recognising potential indicators of exploitation, especially in high-risk areas such as subcontracted labour and third-party services. Managers responsible for procuring goods and services are expected to consider modern slavery risks when selecting and reviewing suppliers.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Man and a Van Paddington. We monitor the effectiveness of our measures through periodic reviews of supplier performance, any reported incidents, and changes in applicable law or best practice.
This statement will be reviewed, updated, and approved by senior management at least once every year to ensure it remains accurate and reflects our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery. As our business and supply chains evolve, we will continue to refine our policies, due diligence, and training to improve our effectiveness in identifying and addressing risks.
This statement reflects the position of Man and a Van Paddington for the most recent financial year and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting human rights throughout our business and supply chains.
