Reading Removals Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Reading Removals in accordance with applicable modern slavery and human trafficking legislation. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Reading Removals provides professional removal and relocation services to customers across the region and beyond. Our operations rely on a combination of directly employed staff, agency workers, subcontracted transport, storage facilities, packaging suppliers, and other service providers. We recognise that these supply chains can present risks of labour exploitation if not managed carefully and responsibly.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Reading Removals has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept, support, or condone any form of forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, child labour, or exploitation of vulnerable workers. This applies to our own operations and to all relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other business partners.
We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all of our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls that seek to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or our supply chains.
Policies and Responsibilities
We maintain internal policies and procedures to support our zero-tolerance stance, including standards for ethical conduct, recruitment, equality, and health and safety. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that these policies are implemented and that appropriate resources are allocated to manage the risk of modern slavery.
Managers at all levels are responsible for promoting awareness of this Statement and for escalating any concerns raised by workers or third parties. All employees are expected to act in line with our values, comply with our policies, and report any suspected breaches.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and contractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. As part of our supplier onboarding and review processes, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they do not tolerate modern slavery in their own operations or supply chains.
Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits and assessments to review working conditions, employment practices, and compliance with our requirements. These audits may include document checks, site visits, and structured discussions with management and workers. If a supplier fails to meet our standards or refuses to cooperate with reasonable audit requests, we will consider appropriate remedial actions, which may include suspending or terminating the business relationship.
Due Diligence and Risk Management
We take a risk-based approach to identifying and managing modern slavery risks. This includes considering the location of operations, the nature of services provided, the use of temporary or subcontracted labour, and industry specific risks. We seek to work with reputable partners and to avoid relationships where the risk of exploitation cannot be adequately managed.
Our recruitment processes aim to ensure that all workers are engaged on fair terms, have the right to work, and are not subject to fees, coercion, or misleading information. We do not retain workers passports or personal documents, and we encourage transparency in all employment arrangements.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Reading Removals is committed to providing safe and accessible channels for raising concerns about modern slavery, exploitation, or any other unethical practices. Employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicions or incidents as soon as possible so that they can be investigated and addressed.
Concerns can be raised through line managers or senior management, or via any established internal whistleblowing procedures. Reports will be treated sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Training and Awareness
We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance may include information on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our policies, and knowing how to report concerns.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Reading Removals recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that risks can evolve over time. We are committed to continually improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes to enhance our ability to prevent, identify, and address modern slavery and human trafficking.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure that it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. Where appropriate, we will update our approach and communicate any significant changes to employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
This Statement has been approved by the management of Reading Removals and represents our commitment to maintaining a responsible and transparent approach to tackling modern slavery in all aspects of our business.
