Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Man with Van Eel Pie Island is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our business activities and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to promote fair and safe working conditions for everyone connected with our services.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. This policy applies to all members of our workforce, including permanent, temporary, agency, and contract workers, as well as to all suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners who support our moving and transport services.
Our leadership is responsible for ensuring this policy is integrated into day-to-day decision-making, from the selection of suppliers and subcontractors to the management of staff and temporary labour. Any breach of this policy is regarded as a serious matter that may result in termination of contracts, removal from approved supplier lists, or other appropriate corrective actions.
Risk Assessment and Supplier Standards
Our business relies on a range of suppliers and partners, including vehicle hire providers, fuel suppliers, packaging and materials providers, storage partners, and labour agencies. We assess the risk of modern slavery by reviewing the nature of services provided, the location in which those services are delivered, and the type of workforce used.
We expect all suppliers to operate in line with our values and to comply with applicable labour and human rights legislation. Our supplier standards require that workers are employed voluntarily, paid fairly, treated with dignity and respect, and provided with safe working conditions. We do not tolerate practices such as retention of identity documents, coercive recruitment, or the charging of recruitment fees to workers.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
To help ensure compliance with our zero-tolerance stance, we are implementing proportionate due diligence and audit measures across our supply base. These measures may include pre-appointment screening, onboarding questionnaires, and periodic reviews of selected suppliers based on risk.
Where appropriate, we may request evidence of labour practices, such as proof of right to work checks, contracts of employment, wage records, and health and safety documentation. We reserve the right to conduct site visits or request additional information where modern slavery risks are identified or suspected. Suppliers are required to cooperate fully with any such audits and to take prompt remedial action where issues are identified.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We are committed to ensuring that our team members understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to respond to any concerns. Key staff involved in procurement, supplier management, and workforce coordination receive guidance on identifying risk indicators and escalating concerns.
All workers and suppliers are encouraged to speak up if they become aware of or suspect any instance of modern slavery connected to our operations. Concerns can be raised verbally to management or through internal reporting routes within the business. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will take all concerns seriously, investigating them promptly and fairly. No one will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility requiring continuous improvement. We will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to reflect changes in our business, supply chain, and applicable legislation. As part of this review, we will consider feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as learnings from any issues or investigations that may arise.
Each year, we will assess the effectiveness of our current controls, supplier audits, and training efforts, and update our approach where necessary. Our aim is to strengthen transparency in our supply chains, build long-term, ethical relationships with our suppliers, and promote respect for human rights across all aspects of our operations.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Man with Van Eel Pie Island and will be made available to employees, suppliers, and customers.
