Modern Slavery Statement for Ilford Removals

Ilford 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, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. As a responsible removals company, we recognise that ethical conduct must be embedded in every part of our work, from recruitment and training to procurement and service delivery.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and all forms of exploitation. This applies to our employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers. Our approach is clear: if there is any evidence or suspicion of abuse, we act promptly, investigate thoroughly, and take appropriate corrective action. The Ilford removals team is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and compliance with this statement is a condition of doing business with us.

To support this commitment, we assess risks across our organisation and supply chain. We review the nature of the services we purchase, the countries in which suppliers operate, and the labour practices associated with those services. Where necessary, we request documentation, carry out enhanced checks, and seek confirmation that workers are treated lawfully and fairly. This helps us strengthen transparency and reduce the likelihood of hidden labour exploitation.

Supplier Oversight and Audits

Supplier due diligence is a central part of our anti-slavery controls. We expect all suppliers to share our values and to comply with applicable employment, health and safety, and human rights laws. New suppliers are reviewed before engagement, and existing suppliers may be re-evaluated based on risk, performance, or changes in trading conditions. Our procurement decisions take into account ethical standards as well as commercial requirements.

Where a supplier is considered higher risk, we may conduct supplier audits or request independent evidence of labour practices. These audits can include reviewing onboarding records, wage practices, working hours, right-to-work checks, and subcontracting arrangements. If concerns are identified, we work with the supplier to implement corrective actions. If remediation is not possible or if serious breaches are confirmed, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Ilford Removals also expects suppliers to cascade these standards through their own supply chains. We encourage them to maintain policies, training, and reporting processes that support lawful employment and ethical sourcing. This collaborative approach helps us build a stronger and more accountable removals business.

Reporting, Training, and Accountability

We believe that everyone should feel safe raising concerns. Multiple reporting channels are available for employees and workers to report suspected modern slavery, unsafe practices, or unethical behaviour. Concerns may be raised confidentially and will be treated seriously, sensitively, and without retaliation. Any report will be reviewed by the appropriate manager or compliance lead, and where required, escalated for further investigation.

Training is provided to relevant staff so they can recognise warning signs, understand their responsibilities, and respond appropriately. This includes awareness of indicators such as restricted freedom, unusual control over wages or documents, and signs of coercion. By improving awareness across the company, we strengthen our ability to identify risks early and take decisive action.

Accountability sits with senior management, who oversee implementation of this statement and ensure that anti-slavery controls remain effective. We keep records of assessments, supplier reviews, and actions taken in response to concerns. These records help us monitor progress and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ethical practice within Ilford Removals and throughout the wider supply chain.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that modern slavery risks can change over time, particularly as supply chains evolve. For that reason, this statement and the controls supporting it are reviewed annually. The review considers any incidents reported, the outcome of supplier audits, changes in legislation, and lessons learned from business activities. This process ensures that our approach remains practical, relevant, and effective.

Following each review, we may update policies, enhance training, strengthen due diligence, or introduce additional checks where risks have increased. Continuous improvement is essential to maintaining a responsible removals service and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation. We are committed to taking meaningful action, not just making commitments on paper.

This statement reflects the values of Ilford Removals: respect, responsibility, and accountability. Through our zero-tolerance policy, diligent supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and annual review, we aim to contribute to the prevention of modern slavery in all its forms and to uphold ethical standards across every aspect of our work.