Kingston Upon Thames Removals Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Kingston Upon Thames Removals in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the removals and logistics sector can be exposed to labour exploitation risks, and we are committed to acting ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Approach

Kingston Upon Thames Removals maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any supplier, contractor, or business partner that is involved in or turns a blind eye to such practices. Every member of our workforce, including management, office staff, drivers, porters, and temporary workers, is expected to act in line with this commitment.

We seek to foster a culture where respect for human rights is embedded in everyday decisions. This includes ensuring that people work of their own free will, are fairly compensated, have safe working conditions, and are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Our core business is the provision of removals and related services for residential and commercial customers. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles and equipment, packing materials, storage facilities, fuel, uniforms, cleaning services, and agency labour where used. We recognise that some parts of this chain may present higher risks, particularly where lower-skilled or temporary labour is involved or where goods originate from higher-risk regions.

We will continue to map and review our supply chain so that we gain better visibility of potential modern slavery risks and can apply stronger controls where necessary.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Kingston Upon Thames Removals is committed to working only with suppliers and partners that share our values. We are developing and implementing supplier standards that clearly set out our expectations on labour practices, human rights, and ethical conduct. These standards will form part of our procurement and contract management processes.

We reserve the right to carry out risk-based audits or assessments of key suppliers. Such audits may include reviewing policies on labour and human rights, checking age verification and right-to-work documentation, examining working conditions and pay arrangements, and interviewing workers where appropriate. Where we identify non-compliance or areas of concern, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions or, where necessary, terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices within our operations or supply chain. Reports may be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or a designated safeguarding or compliance contact within the company. Individuals can raise concerns in confidence and are not required to provide evidence before speaking up.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be taken seriously, assessed promptly, and investigated where appropriate. Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect modern slavery, we will consider referral to the relevant authorities and take immediate steps to protect any affected individuals as far as we are able.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are working to ensure that relevant staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and site supervision, receive training on recognising indicators of modern slavery and the steps to take if they have concerns. Awareness materials will be used to remind our workforce of our policy, the risks in our sector, and available reporting routes.

We are committed to continually improving our approach, learning from incidents, audits, and best practice across the industry. Where appropriate, we will update our procedures to strengthen prevention and detection measures.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery commitments rests with the senior management of Kingston Upon Thames Removals. They are accountable for ensuring that suitable policies, controls, and training are in place and that any reported concerns are dealt with effectively and sensitively.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business, in legislation, and in best practice. The review will consider the effectiveness of our actions, the outcomes of supplier audits, any reported concerns, and feedback from staff and stakeholders. By publishing this statement, Kingston Upon Thames Removals reaffirms its commitment to doing business in a way that respects and promotes the rights and freedoms of every person involved in our operations and supply chain.