Modern Slavery Statement for House Removals
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps House Removals has taken and is continuing to take to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business or supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our operations and commercial relationships.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
House Removals operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. This applies to every part of our business, from our directly employed workforce to all third-party suppliers and subcontractors who support our removals, storage, logistics, and ancillary services.
All colleagues, managers, and business partners are expected to uphold this commitment. Any breach, suspected breach, or attempt to breach this policy is treated as a serious matter that may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, or reporting to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
Our Business and Supply Chain
House Removals provides domestic and commercial moving services, packing services, storage solutions, and associated logistics. Our supply chain includes vehicle and equipment providers, packaging and materials suppliers, storage facilities, recruitment and labour agencies, and professional service partners.
We recognise that certain areas of the removals sector, particularly temporary labour and subcontracted services, can be vulnerable to unethical practices. We are committed to identifying and mitigating these risks through proactive due diligence, supplier engagement, and continuous monitoring.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management, we require agreement to our ethical standards and the confirmation that they comply with relevant labour, employment, and human rights legislation.
House Removals conducts risk-based supplier audits, focusing particularly on higher-risk categories such as labour providers, cleaning services, and subcontracted transport. These audits may include document checks, verification of right-to-work processes, pay and working hours reviews, and site visits where appropriate.
Where non-compliance or concerns are identified, we work collaboratively with the supplier to implement corrective actions within a specified timeframe. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to remedy serious issues, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
Managers and colleagues involved in procurement, recruitment, operations, and site management receive guidance on identifying signs of modern slavery and the correct process for escalating concerns. We promote awareness across the business so that all staff understand what modern slavery is, why it is unacceptable, and how they can help prevent it.
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery approach sits with the senior management team, which ensures that our policies, due diligence processes, and controls remain effective and proportionate to the risks in our sector.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
House Removals encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical working practices. Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal reporting channels or directly to management without fear of retaliation or detrimental treatment.
All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly and sensitively. Where appropriate, we will involve external experts or relevant authorities. We are committed to protecting those who raise genuine concerns, ensuring that they are listened to and supported throughout the process.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process, requiring continuous vigilance and improvement. House Removals regularly reviews its policies, risk assessments, supplier controls, and training materials to ensure they remain current and effective.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the senior management team. The review considers changes in our business operations, developments in legislation and best practice, the outcomes of supplier audits, and any issues raised via our reporting channels.
By publicly stating our stance and the steps we are taking, House Removals reaffirms its commitment to conducting business in a manner that respects human dignity, promotes fair treatment, and actively contributes to the global effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.
