Man And A Van Barnes is committed to operating with integrity, responsibility, and respect for human rights in every part of our business. This modern slavery statement sets out the practical steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation and expect the same standard from all workers, contractors, and suppliers associated with Man And A Van Barnes.

Our services rely on trusted relationships, careful planning, and lawful working practices. To protect people and uphold ethical standards, Man And A Van Barnes requires all staff to understand their responsibilities in identifying risk and reporting concerns. We recognise that modern slavery can exist in many forms, including debt bondage, document retention, coercion, and illegal wage practices. Accordingly, our approach is based on prevention, vigilance, and swift action where any risk is identified.

We assess risk across our operations by considering the nature of the work, the people involved, and the supply chain partners we engage. Man And A Van Barnes gives priority to transparency in recruitment, fair pay, and lawful employment terms. Any worker found to be acting in a way that breaches our ethical expectations may face immediate removal from work arrangements, while any confirmed case of exploitation will be escalated without delay to the relevant authorities.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Modern slavery prevention is embedded into how Man And A Van Barnes selects and manages suppliers. Before working with a supplier, we seek assurances that they comply with applicable labour laws and do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour. Where appropriate, we require declarations confirming ethical employment practices and lawful subcontracting arrangements.

To monitor compliance, we carry out supplier audits on a risk-based basis. These audits may include document checks, workforce verification, and review of hiring processes, wage practices, and subcontractor controls. If concerns arise, we may request corrective action plans, additional evidence, or terminate the relationship where the risk cannot be resolved. The purpose of these audits is not only to detect wrongdoing, but to strengthen accountability across the Man And A Van Barnes supply chain.

We also encourage suppliers to implement their own internal controls, training, and reporting arrangements. By working collaboratively, Man And A Van Barnes aims to build a culture in which exploitation has no place. Ethical procurement is not a one-time exercise; it is an ongoing responsibility that supports safer working conditions and better oversight throughout our business network.

Reporting Channels and Employee Awareness

Everyone connected to Man And A Van Barnes has a role in preventing abuse. We provide clear reporting channels so that concerns about suspicious recruitment practices, withheld wages, excessive working hours, intimidation, or document retention can be raised promptly. Reports may be made through internal management channels, and all concerns are treated seriously, confidentially, and without retaliation.

We aim to ensure that workers feel safe speaking up. Raising a concern in good faith will never result in punishment or disadvantage. If a report indicates possible modern slavery, we will investigate promptly, preserve relevant information, and take appropriate remedial action. This may include workforce interviews, supplier review, suspension of contracts, or referral to the appropriate enforcement body. Man And A Van Barnes reinforces this process through induction and periodic awareness checks for relevant personnel.

Training is used to help staff recognise warning signs and understand how to respond. We emphasise that modern slavery risks can appear in legitimate-looking arrangements, particularly where subcontracting or informal labour is involved. For that reason, every team member is encouraged to remain alert and to act quickly if something does not seem right. Our policy is designed to protect vulnerable people and support lawful, ethical business practices.

Governance, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Man And A Van Barnes reviews the effectiveness of this statement and the measures behind it on an annual basis. The review considers supplier audit findings, reported concerns, changes in legislation, and any lessons learned from investigations or monitoring activity. Where improvements are needed, we update procedures, strengthen supplier oversight, and refine training content to better address emerging risks.

Senior management is responsible for oversight of our modern slavery controls and for ensuring that the principles of this statement are put into practice. This includes maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, supporting investigations, and allocating resources to prevention and monitoring. We view responsible governance as essential to sustaining trust, protecting workers, and maintaining the integrity of the Man And A Van Barnes brand.

As part of our continuing commitment, we will keep improving our systems, relationships, and expectations so that exploitation has no opportunity to take root. Man And A Van Barnes remains dedicated to lawful, respectful, and transparent working practices, and this statement reflects our determination to uphold human dignity throughout our business and supply chain.