Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Waterloo Man and Van has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our business and supply chains. Waterloo Man and Van operates in the transport, removals and logistics sector, and recognises our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and human rights.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Waterloo Man and Van has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own operations or in any of our supply chains.
No form of abuse, coercion, bonded labour, or child labour is acceptable within our organisation or among those who work with us. We aim to foster a culture in which respect for human rights is embedded in day-to-day decision-making, from the recruitment and treatment of workers to the selection and management of our suppliers.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Our core services include domestic and commercial removals, man and van services, and related logistics support. To deliver these services we work with a range of suppliers, including vehicle hire and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, packaging and equipment suppliers, and occasionally subcontracted labour and specialist service providers.
We recognise that some areas of the transport and logistics sector, as well as wider goods and labour supply chains, may present heightened risks of labour exploitation. We therefore seek to understand and manage these risks through careful supplier selection, ongoing monitoring, and clear contractual expectations.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Waterloo Man and Van expects all suppliers, contractors, and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. We are progressively incorporating modern slavery and human rights clauses into our contracts, requiring suppliers to comply with applicable legislation, prohibit forced and child labour, ensure fair working conditions, and maintain transparent employment practices.
We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits and request evidence of compliance, such as information on recruitment practices, working hours, wage arrangements, and right-to-work checks. Where proportionate to the level of risk, we may undertake more detailed due diligence, including requesting additional documentation or conducting site visits.
If a supplier is unable or unwilling to demonstrate that they meet our standards, we will seek to work with them to improve their practices within a reasonable timeframe. Where serious non-compliance is identified or persists, we will consider suspending or terminating the business relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
We encourage a culture of openness in which concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. All employees, workers, contractors, and others in our supply chain are encouraged to report any suspicions or concerns regarding modern slavery, whether within our own operations or in relation to a supplier or partner.
Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or an appropriate internal contact point. Reports will be treated seriously and, where possible, confidentially. We will investigate all allegations promptly and fairly, and take appropriate action which may include notifying relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals, and addressing underlying issues within our supply chain.
Retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited. Disciplinary action may be taken against any individual who victimises or discriminates against a whistleblower.
Training, Awareness and Responsibility
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who are accountable for ensuring that this statement is implemented across our operations. We aim to raise awareness among relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, so that they can identify indicators of modern slavery and act on concerns appropriately.
We also encourage managers to discuss ethical conduct and modern slavery risks as part of regular team communications, to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance and to ensure that employees understand the importance of these issues.
Monitoring and Annual Review
Waterloo Man and Van is committed to continual improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our approach by reviewing any reported concerns, supplier feedback, audit findings, and changes in legislation or best practice.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect our evolving risk profile, our growing understanding of modern slavery issues, and any enhancements in our policies and procedures. The updated statement will be approved by senior management and will apply to all parts of our business and supply chain relationships.
By issuing this statement, Waterloo Man and Van reaffirms its commitment to acting responsibly, respecting human dignity, and working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk of modern slavery wherever we operate.
