Modern Slavery Statement for Westend Removals

Westend 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 prevent slavery, forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognize that modern slavery can affect any sector, and we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of exploitation.

As a removals business, we rely on people, equipment, transport, and support services to deliver our work safely and responsibly. Because of this, we expect high ethical standards from our employees, contractors, and suppliers. Our commitment to the Westend Removals modern slavery policy is embedded in our wider governance framework and supported by training, due diligence, and internal controls.

We require our teams to act with vigilance when engaging with third parties, particularly where labor is sourced through agencies or subcontractors. Any sign of exploitation, coercion, restricted movement, withheld identity documents, or unsafe working conditions is treated as a serious concern. The company will investigate such concerns promptly and take appropriate action, including suspending or ending commercial relationships where necessary.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance policy means that no person working for or on behalf of Westend Removals may engage in, facilitate, or ignore modern slavery in any form. This applies to recruitment, onboarding, payroll, subcontracting, warehouse operations, and transport arrangements. We expect all business partners to share the same position and to uphold lawful, fair, and humane treatment of workers.

To support this commitment, we conduct appropriate checks before entering into new supplier arrangements. These checks may include reviewing ownership structures, labor practices, employment terms, and the use of migrant or agency workers. Where risks are identified, we request corrective action and monitor progress closely. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we will not continue the relationship.

We also provide internal guidance so that managers can identify and respond to warning signs. This includes unusual wage deductions, excessive working hours, poor accommodation conditions, fearfulness among workers, or evidence that a person cannot leave employment freely. By strengthening awareness, we reduce the risk that exploitation goes unnoticed within the Westend Removals slavery prevention framework.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier oversight is central to our approach. We carry out risk-based supplier audits to assess whether partners are complying with labor laws and our ethical expectations. Audits may be conducted through document reviews, questionnaires, site visits, or follow-up meetings, depending on the level of risk involved.

We give priority to suppliers whose services involve labor-intensive work, outsourced staffing, or cross-border recruitment. These areas can present a higher risk of modern-day slavery, so our controls are designed accordingly. Findings from audits are recorded, reviewed by management, and used to improve our procurement practices over time.

Where a concern is confirmed, we expect immediate remediation. This may include updating contracts, improving recordkeeping, changing recruitment practices, or providing worker support. We also reserve the right to terminate arrangements if a supplier is unwilling or unable to address serious concerns. These steps help protect workers and reinforce the values of ethical removals operations.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

We want everyone connected to our business to feel able to raise concerns in good faith. Reports may be made through line managers, senior leadership, or designated internal safeguarding channels. All concerns are treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated without retaliation against the person raising the issue.

We encourage early reporting of any suspected abuse, coercion, deceptive recruitment, or unsafe treatment of workers. Any allegation linked to Westend Removals modern slavery compliance will be escalated promptly to appropriate decision-makers. If a matter requires urgent intervention, immediate protective action may be taken while the investigation continues.

Our reporting framework is designed to support transparency and accountability. We also require managers to document concerns, track outcomes, and confirm that corrective measures have been completed. This ensures that lessons learned are carried forward into future assessments and supplier decisions.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement and the supporting controls are reviewed annually to ensure they remain effective and relevant. The review considers changes in legislation, business activity, procurement risk, and audit findings. It also evaluates whether additional training, updated supplier terms, or improved monitoring is required.

As part of our annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention measures and revise them where needed. We aim to improve due diligence, strengthen oversight of suppliers, and maintain a workplace culture where ethical behavior is expected and supported.

Westend Removals remains committed to continuous improvement and to playing its part in eliminating exploitation from business operations and supply chains. Through clear standards, active audits, accessible reporting, and regular review, we reinforce our commitment to respect, dignity, and lawful employment practices.