Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Hire Man and Van in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business in an honest, ethical and transparent way, and we recognise our responsibility to respect and promote human rights.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Hire Man and Van has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. This applies to all areas of our business, including the recruitment and management of our workforce, the procurement of goods and services, and the conduct of our suppliers and business partners. Any involvement in, or facilitation of, forced labour, child labour, servitude, exploitation, or human trafficking is strictly prohibited.

All employees, contractors and temporary staff are expected to act with integrity and to uphold this policy at all times. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may be reported to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Hire Man and Van provides transport, removal and associated services. Our supply chains include vehicle hire and maintenance, fuel suppliers, equipment providers, uniform and consumables providers, as well as agencies that may supply labour or specialist services. We recognise that some parts of the logistics and transport sector can carry higher risks of labour exploitation, and we are committed to taking proportionate and effective steps to reduce those risks.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our supplier management process, we seek to work only with organisations that operate in a lawful, ethical and socially responsible manner.

We are implementing a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence, focusing our efforts on those suppliers and categories where the risk of labour exploitation is likely to be higher. Measures may include supplier questionnaires, review of policies and procedures, and requests for confirmation that suppliers comply with applicable labour and human rights legislation.

Where appropriate, we may conduct audits or request evidence of independent audits to verify compliance. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards or modern slavery legislation, we will seek to work with them to remedy the issue. If adequate remediation is not possible or not forthcoming, we reserve the right to review or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Hire Man and Van encourages all employees, workers, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical practices in our business or supply chains. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, treatment of workers, or any behaviour that may indicate exploitation or coercion.

Reports can be made to line managers, senior management or designated internal reporting channels. We will investigate all reports promptly, sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. No person raising a genuine concern in good faith will suffer retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of making a report.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to building awareness of modern slavery risks across our organisation. Relevant employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement and supplier management, are provided with guidance on identifying potential indicators of modern slavery and on the appropriate steps to take if they have concerns.

We aim to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities in helping to prevent modern slavery and knows how to raise concerns.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Hire Man and Van recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continual monitoring and improvement. We will review this Modern Slavery Statement and our related policies and procedures at least once every year, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, our business operations or identified risks.

The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our actions, the outcomes of any investigations or audits, feedback from stakeholders, and developments in best practice. Where appropriate, we will refine our processes, strengthen our controls and enhance training to improve our ability to prevent and address modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Hire Man and Van and represents our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals who work for us and with us.