Hammersmith Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Hammersmith Man and Van takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Hammersmith Man and Van maintains a clear zero-tolerance stance on all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. We do not knowingly engage with any person, contractor, or organisation that is involved in such practices. We expect the same high standards from all parties we work with, including suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy, ensuring that it is understood and upheld by their teams. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy will be taken extremely seriously and may result in termination of contracts or working arrangements.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Hammersmith Man and Van provides transport, removals, and related services. Our activities rely on employees, self-employed drivers, vehicle hire providers, fuel and equipment suppliers, and other supporting service providers. We aim to develop long-term relationships with reputable partners whose values align with our own commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights.

We understand that risks of modern slavery can exist at various points in any supply chain, including the sourcing of vehicles, equipment, uniforms, and facilities services. We therefore seek to work only with suppliers that can demonstrate lawful, fair, and safe working practices.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All suppliers and subcontractors engaged by Hammersmith Man and Van are required to operate in compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We communicate our zero-tolerance approach and require confirmation that they do not use forced, bonded, or involuntary labour of any kind.

We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence from suppliers to assess compliance with this Modern Slavery Statement. Such checks may include reviewing policies, worker terms and conditions, right-to-work documentation, and confirmation of age verification processes. Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier to address and rectify issues. If satisfactory improvements are not made within agreed timescales, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Employee Awareness and Reporting Channels

Hammersmith Man and Van is committed to fostering a culture where concerns about modern slavery can be raised openly and without fear of retaliation. Employees, workers, and contractors are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery or human trafficking in our own operations or in those of our suppliers.

Concerns can be raised directly with a line manager, a senior manager, or via any existing internal reporting routes. All reports will be treated seriously, considered promptly, and investigated where appropriate. We will protect the confidentiality of individuals who raise concerns in good faith and will not tolerate any form of victimisation or disadvantage as a result of reporting.

Risk Management and Due Diligence

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new suppliers and business partners, focusing on those operating in higher-risk sectors or geographies. This may include assessing the nature of their workforce, recruitment practices, and subcontracting arrangements, as well as their own policies on modern slavery.

Internally, we ensure that recruitment is carried out in a fair and transparent manner, with checks to confirm identity, right to work, and age. No recruitment fees are charged to job applicants, and all workers receive clear information regarding their role, pay, and working conditions.

Training and Continuous Improvement

Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and recruitment, are provided with information to help them recognise signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. We aim to improve our processes over time by learning from audits, investigations, and good practice in our industry.

We will continue to review and, where necessary, update our procedures to enhance our ability to detect and prevent modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the management of Hammersmith Man and Van. The review considers any incidents, reported concerns, regulatory changes, and feedback from stakeholders. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our policy, procedures, and training accordingly.

By maintaining this ongoing process of monitoring and review, Hammersmith Man and Van aims to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to contribute actively to the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking in the communities in which we operate.