Elephant and Castle Removal Company Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the approach taken by Elephant and Castle, a removal and relocation company, to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our own operations and throughout our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold and promote human rights and to act with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Elephant and Castle operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that there is no form of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, or exploitation in any part of our business or our supply chains. This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Elephant and Castle.

We expect high ethical standards from everyone associated with our operations and we will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual that engages in, or is complicit in, modern slavery or human trafficking.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Elephant and Castle provides domestic and commercial removal and relocation services. Our activities include packing, loading, transportation, storage, and associated services. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, packaging materials, storage facilities, agency labour, and professional services.

We recognise that certain areas of our supply chain, particularly those involving lower-skilled or temporary labour, transport, and the manufacture of materials, may present higher risks. As a result, we focus additional scrutiny and due diligence on these areas.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We are committed to conducting appropriate due diligence on our suppliers and business partners. Our approach includes assessing the risk of modern slavery and, where needed, requiring further information, assurances, or documentation regarding labour practices and working conditions.

Elephant and Castle seeks to work only with suppliers who share our values and demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct. We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence of compliance from suppliers, including policies, training records, and information about subcontracting arrangements. Where risk indicators are identified, we may undertake more detailed assessments or site visits, and request corrective action plans where necessary.

If a supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery or human trafficking, directly or indirectly, and fails to remedy the situation promptly and adequately, Elephant and Castle will take appropriate action, which may include ending the business relationship.

Policies, Training, and Awareness

Our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery is supported by internal policies governing ethical conduct, recruitment, and the use of labour, including agency and temporary workers. We aim to ensure that all workers are recruited and employed in line with applicable labour laws, are paid fairly, and work in safe and respectful conditions.

We strive to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and managers. Relevant staff are informed about the signs of exploitation and the steps to take if they have concerns. We encourage openness and support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Elephant and Castle encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line managers or senior management, or via established whistleblowing procedures where available.

All reports will be treated seriously and, so far as is reasonably possible, confidentially. We will investigate concerns promptly and take appropriate action where issues are identified. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process. Elephant and Castle is committed to continuously improving our systems and controls to reduce the risk of exploitation within our business and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by our management team to reflect changes in our business, feedback from stakeholders, and any developments in legislation or best practice. Where necessary, we will update our policies, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our approach.

This statement represents the current position of Elephant and Castle on modern slavery and human trafficking and has been approved by the company’s leadership for the relevant financial year.