Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by House Clearance Kingston in respect of our activities and supply chains. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation within our own operations and those of our suppliers and business partners.

House Clearance Kingston operates in the property clearance and associated services sector. Although we are a local business, we recognise that modern slavery can occur in any industry and at any level of the supply chain. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to implementing robust systems and controls to safeguard against any form of modern slavery.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

House Clearance Kingston has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation, supplier or individual involved in such practices. Any breach of this policy by employees, contractors or suppliers will be treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, or reporting to the relevant authorities.

This zero-tolerance approach extends to all forms of coercive, exploitative or abusive labour practices, including debt bondage, withholding of documents, inappropriate recruitment fees, child labour, or any working conditions that are unsafe, degrading or inconsistent with basic human rights and employment legislation.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of waste management, recycling, transport, equipment, cleaning materials and other related services. We recognise that risks of modern slavery may be heightened where there are multiple layers of subcontracting, use of temporary labour or sourcing of goods from higher risk sectors or countries.

To address these risks, House Clearance Kingston is strengthening supplier due diligence processes. New suppliers are screened for their approach to labour standards, working conditions and ethical conduct. We aim to work only with organisations that share our commitment to preventing modern slavery.

We conduct periodic supplier audits and reviews that may include requesting written assurances, evaluating employment practices, and, where appropriate, visiting sites or requesting evidence of compliance with labour laws. If any concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within an agreed timeframe. Where progress is insufficient or where serious violations are confirmed, we will consider suspending or terminating the relationship.

Training, Awareness and Responsibilities

Managers and key staff involved in recruitment, procurement and supplier management are made aware of our modern slavery policy, the indicators of exploitation and the procedures for reporting concerns. Responsibilities for oversight sit with our senior management, who ensure that modern slavery risks are considered in operational and purchasing decisions.

We encourage all employees to remain vigilant to signs of abuse or exploitation, whether in our own operations or at customer or supplier sites. Everyone working for or on behalf of House Clearance Kingston is expected to uphold our ethical standards and support our efforts to eradicate modern slavery from our sphere of influence.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

House Clearance Kingston is committed to creating an environment where concerns about modern slavery can be raised without fear of reprisal. Any employee, contractor, supplier or customer who suspects that modern slavery or human trafficking may be occurring in connection with our business is encouraged to report it immediately.

Concerns may be raised directly with a line manager or a senior manager. Reports can also be made confidentially through our internal whistleblowing route. All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will notify and cooperate fully with law enforcement or other relevant bodies.

We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Protecting those who speak up is central to ensuring that potential cases of exploitation can be identified and addressed swiftly.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

House Clearance Kingston is committed to continuous improvement in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. We monitor the effectiveness of our controls by reviewing supplier performance, assessing any reported incidents, and taking into account changes in legislation, guidance and best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate and effective. The review will consider our audit findings, training needs, risk assessments and any lessons learned from incidents or near misses. Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures and contractual requirements to strengthen our approach.

By publishing this statement, House Clearance Kingston affirms its ongoing commitment to uphold human rights, promote fair working conditions and take all reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.