Waste Removal Bermondsey Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Removal Bermondsey has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our business operations or supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and are committed to continuous improvement in this area.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. Waste Removal Bermondsey has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking and expects the same high standards from everyone we work with, including employees, contractors and suppliers.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery is central to the way we operate. We strictly prohibit the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, in any part of our business or supply chain.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their teams understand and comply with this policy. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Where a supplier or contractor is found to be in breach, we will take immediate steps which may include suspension or termination of the relationship.

We are committed to paying fair wages in line with applicable laws and to providing safe working conditions. We do not tolerate practices that exploit vulnerable workers, including excessive overtime, withholding of wages or retention of identity documents.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of waste handling equipment, vehicle maintenance, personal protective equipment, facilities services and administrative support. We are committed to working only with suppliers that share our values and demonstrate clear commitments to ethical employment practices.

We communicate our expectations regarding modern slavery to all key suppliers. Where appropriate, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with relevant legislation and maintain policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in their own operations and supply chains.

We carry out proportionate supplier audits and assessments, focusing on higher-risk categories such as labour provision, subcontracted services and imported goods. These audits may include document reviews, site visits and discussions with management and workers to assess working conditions, recruitment practices and grievance mechanisms.

If concerns are identified during an audit, we expect suppliers to implement corrective actions within an agreed timeframe. Failure to adequately address issues may result in the review, suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Removal Bermondsey encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We want all employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to feel confident in raising concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported through line managers, senior management or via our dedicated internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and all concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and addressed appropriately.

We make it clear that victimisation of anyone raising a concern in good faith will not be tolerated. Any individual found to have victimised a whistleblower may face disciplinary action. Where required, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement bodies and relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to educating our workforce about the risks and indicators of modern slavery. Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management and HR, receive guidance to help them identify and respond to potential issues in our operations and supply chains.

We regularly review our internal processes to strengthen due diligence, enhance supplier engagement and improve risk identification. Lessons learned from audits, investigations and industry developments inform updates to our procedures and practices.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective and reflective of our operational realities and legal obligations. As part of the review, we assess any incidents reported, audit findings, changes in legislation and feedback from stakeholders, and we update our action plans accordingly.

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources and attention are devoted to this issue. The updated statement is approved at a senior level each year and communicated internally and externally as required.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, conducting supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels and committing to annual review, Waste Removal Bermondsey aims to play its part in preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected with our business.