Battersea Removals Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Battersea Removals takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically, to respect human rights, and to ensure that the services we provide are delivered without exploitation.

Modern slavery is a crime and a serious violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Battersea Removals is fully committed to preventing these practices in every aspect of our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Battersea Removals operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, and we expect the same standards from all people and organisations we work with. This commitment applies to our employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and any third parties acting on our behalf.

All workers engaged by Battersea Removals must do so voluntarily and under fair and lawful terms. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful working environment in which people are treated with dignity, paid fairly in accordance with applicable laws, and afforded all required rights and protections.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Expectations

While our core operations are focused on removals and related services, we rely on a network of suppliers for vehicles, fuel, equipment, storage facilities, uniforms, and other goods and services. We recognise that modern slavery risks can arise at different levels of the supply chain, including in manufacturing, logistics, and labour provision.

We seek to work only with suppliers who share our values and who are committed to ethical business practices. We require suppliers to comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws, and to take active steps to assess and address modern slavery risks within their own operations and supply chains.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Battersea Removals carries out proportionate due diligence on key suppliers, particularly those operating in higher-risk sectors or jurisdictions. This may include requesting information on labour practices, reviewing available policies, and assessing the supplier's own procedures for identifying and addressing modern slavery.

Where appropriate, we may conduct or commission audits of suppliers to verify compliance with our standards and relevant legislation. These audits can include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management. If any evidence or serious suspicion of modern slavery is identified, we will take immediate action. This may involve requiring corrective measures within a defined timeframe or, where necessary, terminating the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Battersea Removals encourages anyone associated with our business, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers, to raise concerns about potential modern slavery without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be reported through established internal channels or raised directly with management at any level.

All reports of potential modern slavery or related exploitation will be treated seriously and handled sensitively. We will investigate reports promptly, take appropriate action where concerns are substantiated, and cooperate fully with law enforcement and regulatory authorities where required. We will also maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and ensure that no one raising a genuine concern is victimised or disadvantaged as a result.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among relevant staff and managers, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment. Training and guidance focus on recognising warning signs, understanding reporting routes, and supporting ethical decision-making across the business.

We regularly review our processes to identify areas where our controls can be strengthened, including updating policies, enhancing due diligence, and improving documentation. We are committed to continuous improvement to ensure our approach remains robust and effective.

Annual Review and Statement Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to reflect any changes in legislation, our business operations, or the risks we identify in our supply chains. The review considers feedback from audits, incident reports, supplier engagement, and internal assessments.

The statement is approved by the management of Battersea Removals, who are responsible for overseeing its implementation and ensuring appropriate resources are allocated to deliver on our commitments. By maintaining and regularly reviewing this statement, Battersea Removals reaffirms its determination to play an active role in the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking.