This statement sets out the steps Ashford Neath Recruitment Ltd, trading as Ashford Recruitment, takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and in our supply chains.
Our commitment
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of human rights. It takes the form of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. We have a zero tolerance approach and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our dealings.
As a supplier of temporary labour into industrial, warehousing and logistics environments, we understand that our sector carries a higher than average risk. Labour exploitation in the United Kingdom is concentrated in exactly the settings we recruit for. We take that seriously.
Our business
Ashford Neath Recruitment Ltd, trading as Ashford Recruitment, is an owner-managed employment business and employment agency founded in 2020 and based in Redditch. We supply temporary and permanent workers across warehousing, logistics, production and manufacturing, transport, commercial and large-scale events, principally across the West Midlands.
Our supply chains
Our supply chain is short. We recruit workers directly and supply them to hirers. We do not use unvetted third party labour providers to fill our assignments. Where we work with any partner organisation, we expect the same standards we hold ourselves to.
Risk areas we watch for
Our consultants are alert to the indicators that most commonly appear in temporary labour supply:
- Multiple workers sharing a single bank account, address or telephone number
- A third party speaking on a worker’s behalf, controlling their documents or collecting their pay
- Workers who appear unable to leave an assignment, or who are reluctant to discuss their living arrangements
- Identity or right to work documents that appear to have been prepared by someone else
- Signs of debt bondage, including deductions the worker cannot explain
- Workers who do not know their own rate of pay
What we do about it
- We meet people face to face. Every worker we supply is interviewed by us, not simply forwarded from a database. This is the single most effective control we have.
- We verify identity and right to work for every worker, checking original documents against the person in front of us.
- We pay workers directly through our own weekly payroll, into an account in their own name. We do not pay wages to third parties.
- We take a minimum of two references and check work history.
- We maintain an on-site presence during assignments, which means our consultants see workers in their working environment rather than only at registration.
- We investigate concerns raised by workers, clients or our own staff. We will report to the authorities where appropriate.
Reporting a concern
Anyone who suspects modern slavery in connection with our business should contact us immediately on 01527 916 555 or at info@ashfordrecruitment.co.uk. Concerns can be raised anonymously and will be treated in confidence.
Concerns can also be reported to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700, to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, or to the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
Training
Our consultants are briefed on the indicators of labour exploitation and on what to do if they see them. Anyone joining our team is taken through this as part of their induction.
Approval
This statement is made on behalf of Ashford Neath Recruitment Ltd, trading as Ashford Recruitment. It is approved by Natalie Ashford, Managing Director.