Modern Slavery Statement for Merton Removals
Merton Removals is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to help ensure that slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation have no place in our operations or supply chains. We recognise that as a removals company, we rely on a range of suppliers, contractors, and service providers, and we accept our responsibility to promote ethical standards across every part of our business.
Zero tolerance is the foundation of our approach. We will not knowingly work with any individual or organisation involved in modern slavery, unlawful labour practices, or exploitative recruitment. Our commitment applies to all areas of activity, including staffing, transport, storage, packaging, and procurement. This Merton Removals statement is intended to make clear that ethical conduct is not optional; it is an essential condition of doing business with us.
Our Policies and Responsibilities
We have established internal controls designed to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our business. These controls include due diligence checks, staff awareness measures, and supplier assessments that help us identify any warning signs early. Managers are expected to act promptly if concerns arise, and our internal procedures require escalation where there is any indication of exploitative labour or unsafe recruitment practices. Responsibility for compliance is shared across the organisation, with senior oversight to ensure that our anti-slavery commitments remain active and effective.
Supplier audits are a key part of our prevention strategy. We seek to understand how our suppliers recruit, manage, and treat workers, particularly where labour is supplied through agencies or subcontractors. Depending on the risk profile, audits may include documentation checks, review of labour contracts, and confirmation that workers are paid fairly and work voluntarily. Where gaps are identified, we expect suppliers to take corrective action within a reasonable timeframe. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we may suspend or end the relationship.
We also embed anti-slavery expectations into our procurement process. New suppliers are assessed not only for price and quality, but also for ethical conduct and labour standards. In higher-risk categories, we may request additional evidence such as policies, training records, and proof of worker-rights protections. This proactive approach helps Merton Removals maintain a supply chain that reflects our values and reduces the risk of hidden exploitation.
Reporting Channels and Concerns
All employees, workers, and suppliers are encouraged to report concerns if they suspect modern slavery or related misconduct. Reporting channels are designed to allow concerns to be raised safely, promptly, and without fear of retaliation. Any report will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately. Where necessary, we will take immediate action to protect affected individuals and cooperate with relevant authorities. We are committed to creating a culture in which speaking up is supported and whistleblowing is handled with discretion and respect.
Training, Monitoring, and Improvement
To strengthen awareness, we provide proportionate training and guidance to relevant staff so they can recognise potential indicators of forced labour, debt bondage, deception, or coercion. Training is especially important for teams involved in recruitment, supplier management, and operational oversight. We also monitor our processes regularly to ensure that controls remain practical and effective. This ongoing vigilance supports our wider commitment to ethical removals services and responsible business practice.
Our modern slavery response is not static. We review our controls against changes in law, industry practice, and operational risk so that our standards continue to improve over time. If weaknesses are identified, we update procedures, strengthen oversight, and increase supplier scrutiny where needed. This continuous improvement approach helps ensure that Merton Removals remains aligned with best practice and the expectations placed on a responsible employer.
This statement will be reviewed annually to confirm that it remains accurate, relevant, and effective. The review will consider supplier audit outcomes, reported concerns, staff training activity, and any lessons learned during the year. Where appropriate, we will revise our approach and set new actions to strengthen compliance. By maintaining an annual review cycle, Merton Removals reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and upholding human dignity throughout our business and supply chains.