Modern Slavery Statement for Removal Companies Waterloo

Removal Companies Waterloo is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently and with integrity. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take, and continue to develop, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to play an active role in identifying, preventing and addressing any risk of exploitation connected to our services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, child labour and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our removals and relocation services, including our own employees, temporary workers, subcontractors and suppliers. No commercial objective or deadline justifies ignoring or overlooking concerns related to labour exploitation or unsafe working conditions.

All staff, from management to frontline teams, are expected to support this policy. Breaches of our modern slavery standards may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contracts, and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Our core activities include domestic and commercial removals, packing, storage, and associated logistics. While our direct workforce is relatively small and closely managed, our operations rely on a broader network of suppliers, including vehicle providers, equipment manufacturers, uniform and packaging suppliers, cleaning and maintenance contractors, and labour agencies.

We recognise that risks can arise at various points in this supply chain, particularly where temporary or low-skilled labour is involved or goods originate from higher-risk regions. We are committed to understanding these risks and addressing them proactively.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and business partners to uphold the same high standards we apply to ourselves. Our supplier onboarding process includes a requirement to confirm adherence to applicable labour, human rights and health and safety laws, as well as our modern slavery expectations.

We carry out risk-based supplier assessments and audits, focusing our attention on suppliers operating in sectors or locations where modern slavery risks are more likely to arise. These audits may include document reviews, site visits and discussions with management and workers to verify working conditions, pay practices, recruitment methods and accommodation standards where relevant.

If a supplier fails to meet our requirements or refuses to cooperate with reasonable audit requests, we will seek corrective actions and may suspend or terminate the relationship where concerns are not adequately addressed.

Training, Awareness and Responsibilities

Responsibility for implementing this Statement rests with the senior management of Removal Companies Waterloo, with oversight integrated into our wider governance and risk management processes. Managers are responsible for ensuring that their teams understand our zero-tolerance position and know how to raise concerns.

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery, such as signs of coercion, restriction of movement, retention of documents or unexplained deductions from wages. We also promote awareness among staff who engage directly with suppliers or subcontractors, emphasising their role in monitoring standards.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our operations or supply chain. Reports can be made in person to line managers or senior management, or in writing through our internal reporting processes.

All concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and treated as confidential to the extent reasonably possible. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise genuine concerns, even if these are ultimately not substantiated after investigation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that our approach must evolve as risks, guidance and best practice develop. Each year, we review this Statement, our internal procedures, supplier controls and training materials. This review considers lessons learned from any incidents or investigations, feedback from staff and suppliers, and relevant legal or regulatory changes.

As part of our annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our risk assessments and audits, update our contractual requirements where needed, and set objectives to strengthen our controls for the year ahead. The updated Statement is approved by senior management and made available to employees, suppliers and other interested parties to ensure transparency and accountability.

Through these measures, Removal Companies Waterloo aims to uphold the dignity, safety and rights of all individuals connected to our business and to contribute to the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.