Barking Removals Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Barking Removals in respect of the financial year ending 31 December. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Barking Removals recognises that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to operating ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Barking Removals is a removals and relocation business providing domestic and commercial moving, packing, storage, and associated services. Our operations rely on direct employees, subcontracted labour, vehicle and equipment suppliers, packaging material providers, storage facilities, and other professional service partners. We acknowledge that elements of the logistics and labour supply sectors can be vulnerable to modern slavery risks, including exploitative working conditions, excessive working hours, and unfair pay practices.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Barking Removals has a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms, including forced labour, debt bondage, servitude, child labour, and any form of exploitation. This expectation applies to all employees, subcontractors, agency workers, suppliers, and any other parties acting on our behalf. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that fails to uphold these principles and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party found to be involved in modern slavery practices.

Governance, Responsibilities and Training

The management team at Barking Removals is responsible for overseeing our approach to modern slavery and ensuring that appropriate controls are in place. Line managers are required to promote ethical conduct, monitor working practices, and escalate concerns about potential breaches. We aim to raise awareness among employees and key suppliers about modern slavery indicators, workers rights, and our reporting expectations. Training and guidance are provided proportionate to role and risk, particularly for staff involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers and partners who share our values and comply with applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our due diligence process, Barking Removals assesses new suppliers based on their labour standards, recruitment practices, and ability to demonstrate responsible business conduct. Where risks are identified, we may seek further information, require corrective action, or decline to engage. We undertake periodic reviews and proportionate audits of existing suppliers, focusing on higher risk categories such as labour agencies, subcontracted drivers, warehouse and storage providers, and overseas producers of goods. Audits may include site visits, document checks, and worker interviews, with the aim of verifying conditions and driving improvement.

Working Conditions and Recruitment Practices

Barking Removals is committed to fair and lawful recruitment. We ensure that all workers have the right to work, receive clear information about their employment terms, and are free from recruitment fees, coercion, or retention of identification documents. Our working practices are designed to promote health and safety, appropriate working hours, and fair remuneration. We expect our labour providers and subcontractors to apply the same standards and to be able to demonstrate compliance when requested.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Barking Removals encourages all employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns that modern slavery or human trafficking may be taking place in our business or supply chain. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers or senior management, or through existing internal reporting procedures. Reports may be made confidentially and will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will take appropriate action if breaches are identified.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process and requires continuous vigilance and improvement. Barking Removals is committed to regularly reviewing our policies, procedures, and due diligence activities to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face. This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by our management team, updated where necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, or best practice, and approved at a senior level. We will continue to strengthen our approach by engaging with our workforce and suppliers, enhancing training, and improving transparency across our supply chain.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Barking Removals and reflects our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.