Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van Upton
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Man with Van Upton has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure that our activities do not contribute to any form of exploitation.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Man with Van Upton operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and all forms of exploitation. This applies to every aspect of our business, including our direct employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers.
We are committed to conducting business in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and respectful of human dignity. Any indication of modern slavery is treated as a serious breach of our standards and will result in immediate investigation and, where appropriate, termination of the relevant relationship.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Man with Van Upton provides transport and moving services to domestic and commercial customers. Our operations rely on drivers, porters, vehicles, equipment, and support services sourced from a range of suppliers. These include vehicle hire and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging providers, uniform suppliers, and facilities and cleaning services.
We recognise that some sectors in our supply chain may have a higher inherent risk of labour exploitation. We therefore pay particular attention to suppliers involved in low-skilled labour, subcontracted logistics support, and outsourced ancillary services.
Policies to Prevent Modern Slavery
We have implemented internal policies that underpin our approach to combating modern slavery. These include clear expectations around ethical conduct, fair treatment, and compliance with labour laws. We communicate these standards to staff and suppliers and require adherence as a condition of ongoing business.
Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals working for Man with Van Upton do so voluntarily and with fair terms. We do not charge recruitment fees, we verify the right to work where applicable, and we aim to work only with reputable agencies that share our commitment to preventing exploitation.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We seek to build long-term relationships with suppliers that share our values. Before entering into or renewing contracts, we assess the risk of modern slavery within the supplier or contractor relationship. Where appropriate, we request information on their labour practices and expect them to maintain their own modern slavery controls.
Man with Van Upton reserves the right to conduct audits or checks of suppliers where risk is identified or where there is cause for concern. These audits may include reviewing employment records, worker accommodation standards where relevant, and interviewing workers in a confidential and respectful manner.
If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards or applicable modern slavery legislation, we will seek to address the issue promptly. This may involve corrective action plans, closer monitoring, or the termination of the business relationship where necessary.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and day-to-day operations. Relevant personnel are informed about the signs of exploitation, appropriate reporting channels, and the responsibilities they have in preventing modern slavery.
By promoting awareness, we aim to ensure that modern slavery concerns are recognised early and handled decisively.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Man with Van Upton encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to raise concerns about any suspected modern slavery or unethical practices. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to those of our suppliers and partners.
Reports can be made confidentially to management through established internal reporting routes. We take all concerns seriously, investigate promptly, and ensure that no one who raises a report in good faith suffers any form of retaliation or disadvantage.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We regularly review our approach to managing modern slavery risks, taking account of changes in our business, legislation, and industry best practice. This Modern Slavery Statement and the underlying policies and procedures are reviewed at least annually by senior management.
Through each annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider feedback from staff and suppliers, and look for ways to strengthen our controls. Where necessary, we update our processes, enhance training, and refine our supplier oversight to better prevent and address modern slavery.
Approval and Responsibility
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Man with Van Upton, who have overall responsibility for ensuring that it is implemented and maintained. Management is accountable for providing the resources, leadership, and oversight required to uphold our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and human trafficking.
Man with Van Upton remains committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to improving our practices so that we are effective in safeguarding individuals from exploitation.
