Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Man with Van Swiss Cottage is committed to operating ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all business dealings. We recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our own operations and throughout our supply chains. This statement sets out the steps we take, and will continue to take, to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place in any part of our business.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Man with Van Swiss Cottage provides local and regional transport, removals, and associated services to individual and commercial customers. Our operations rely on a combination of directly engaged personnel, subcontracted drivers, vehicle suppliers, fuel providers, equipment and packaging suppliers, and other service providers such as storage and facilities contractors.
We understand that the transport and logistics sector, as well as general goods supply chains, can be exposed to risks of labour exploitation, unfair working conditions, and other forms of modern slavery. We are committed to identifying, assessing, and reducing these risks wherever they may arise.
Zero-Tolerance Approach
We adopt a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This means we will not knowingly engage with, or continue to work with, any individual or organisation involved in forced labour, debt bondage, compulsory labour, child labour that is exploitative or illegal, or any other form of modern slavery.
All directors, managers, employees, and contractors are expected to uphold this commitment. Our expectation is communicated through our internal policies, onboarding processes, and day-to-day management practices. Any breach of this policy by staff or contractors may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We are committed to working only with suppliers, subcontractors, and service partners who share our stance on modern slavery. When engaging new suppliers, we consider ethical standards, labour practices, and the transparency of their operations alongside price and service quality.
Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we conduct supplier due diligence checks, including requesting information on labour practices, employment terms, and recruitment processes. For higher risk categories, we reserve the right to carry out on-site assessments or audits, either directly or through suitably qualified third parties.
If a supplier is unable or unwilling to demonstrate adequate controls and safeguards against modern slavery, or if we become aware of credible concerns, we will take appropriate action. This may include requiring corrective measures, placing the relationship under review, or ending the business relationship altogether.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone working for or with Man with Van Swiss Cottage, as well as members of the public, to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices linked to our operations or supply chains.
Concerns can be reported through internal reporting to management, written reports to senior leadership, or via any established whistleblowing mechanisms we have in place. Reports can be made in confidence, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities or specialist organisations to ensure that issues are properly addressed and that any victims are signposted to appropriate support.
Training and Awareness
We seek to raise awareness of modern slavery risks amongst managers, staff, and key contractors, particularly those involved in supplier selection, contract management, and frontline operations. This may include briefings, guidance materials, and discussions as part of team meetings or performance reviews.
Our objective is to help our people recognise potential warning signs, understand how modern slavery can occur in the transport and logistics context, and know how to report concerns appropriately.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery and human trafficking rests with our senior management team. They are tasked with reviewing the effectiveness of our measures, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that our commitments are embedded in daily practice.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every twelve months, or more frequently if there are significant changes to our business model, supply chain structure, or relevant legislation. During each review we will consider our risk assessments, the outcomes of any supplier checks or audits, and any concerns raised through our reporting channels.
Where we identify opportunities to strengthen our controls, we will update our policies, procedures, and training accordingly. By doing so, Man with Van Swiss Cottage aims to continuously enhance its efforts to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking, and to promote fair and respectful working conditions across all areas of our business and supply chains.
