Barnes Movers Modern Slavery Statement

Barnes Movers is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with 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 chain. We recognise that the moving and logistics sector can involve complex labour arrangements, and we therefore maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation. Our commitment applies across every part of the business, from recruitment and subcontracting to procurement and service delivery.

To support this commitment, Barnes Movers applies clear internal controls, staff awareness measures, and due diligence checks. We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to uphold the same standards that guide our own conduct. Any indication of coercion, withheld documents, debt bondage, unsafe working conditions, or unlawful wage practices is treated as a serious matter. The company’s approach is designed to protect workers and maintain trust in the integrity of Barnes Movers and its wider business relationships.

Our governance framework includes regular risk assessment of roles and locations where vulnerability may be higher. We review labour sourcing, subcontracting chains, and service agreements to identify potential exposure to modern slavery risks. These reviews are informed by the nature of the work, the jurisdictions involved, and the type of workers engaged. Where risk is identified, Barnes Moving teams and management are required to escalate concerns promptly so that appropriate action can be taken without delay.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Supplier standards are a central part of the Barnes Movers anti-slavery programme. We conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate compliance with our expectations on lawful employment, fair pay, working hours, and worker welfare. These audits may include document checks, workforce verification, and review of subcontracting practices. Where a supplier cannot demonstrate compliance, we may require corrective action plans, additional monitoring, or termination of the relationship if concerns remain unresolved.

We also require suppliers to confirm that they do not tolerate modern slavery in any form and that they maintain their own controls to prevent abuse. Barnes Movers expects its supply partners to cascade these standards through their own networks. This helps ensure that a Barnes Movers statement on ethical trading is supported not only by policy but by practical oversight. By extending accountability beyond direct contracts, we reduce the possibility that hidden exploitation will go unnoticed within the moving services chain.

Training is provided to relevant staff so they can recognise warning signs and respond appropriately. This includes understanding indicators such as restricted freedom of movement, unclear recruitment fees, unsafe accommodation, or signs that workers are controlled by another person. Our modern slavery response is not limited to compliance; it is part of our wider responsibility to treat every individual with dignity and fairness. We want our Barnes Movers modern slavery framework to be effective, proportionate, and continuously improved.

Reporting, Investigation, and Annual Review

Barnes Movers maintains several reporting channels so that concerns can be raised safely and in confidence. Employees and other stakeholders may report suspected wrongdoing through internal management routes, senior leadership, or formal grievance procedures. We encourage early reporting of any issue, no matter how small it may appear, because timely escalation can prevent harm. All reports are handled seriously, with appropriate confidentiality and protection against retaliation.

Investigation and Remediation

Once a concern is raised, Barnes Movers investigates promptly and proportionately. If modern slavery indicators are identified, we will take immediate steps to safeguard affected individuals and work with relevant specialists or authorities where necessary. Remediation may include suspension of supplier activity, worker support measures, contract review, or termination where required. We aim to ensure that our response is practical, humane, and aligned with our ethical responsibilities. Barnes Movers does not accept inaction where exploitation is suspected.

This statement is reviewed annually to assess the effectiveness of our controls and to reflect changes in business operations, legislation, or risk profile. Each annual review considers audit findings, reporting trends, supplier performance, and staff training outcomes. We use the review process to strengthen our modern slavery prevention measures and to update internal procedures where needed. Barnes Movers remains committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of ethical business conduct.