Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Clearance Merton

Waste Clearance Merton is committed to conducting all aspects of our operations in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our own operations and throughout our supply chains. It covers our zero-tolerance stance, supplier due diligence and audits, reporting channels, and our commitment to ongoing annual review and improvement.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. This policy applies to every aspect of our business, including direct employees, temporary staff, contractors, and all organisations that supply goods or services to Waste Clearance Merton.

No commercial objective justifies the exploitation of people. We are committed to ensuring that everyone working for or with us does so of their own free will, is treated with dignity and respect, and receives fair terms and conditions of employment that meet or exceed legal requirements.

All managers and those involved in procurement and supplier management are responsible for promoting and upholding this zero-tolerance approach. Any breach or suspected breach is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, as appropriate.

Our People and Working Practices

We are committed to robust recruitment and employment practices designed to reduce the risk of modern slavery within our own workforce. This includes verifying the identity and right to work of all employees, providing written terms and conditions, paying at or above the applicable minimum wage, and ensuring safe and respectful working conditions.

We aim to create an environment where workers are confident they can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Training and guidance are provided to relevant staff so they can recognise indicators of exploitation and know how to report them.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of waste disposal facilities, vehicles, equipment, protective clothing, and other support services. We expect all suppliers to operate to the same ethical standards that we apply to ourselves, and to comply with all relevant labour and human rights laws.

As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management, we carry out due diligence and proportionate checks to identify potential risks of modern slavery. This may include requesting information about a supplier’s workforce, sourcing practices, and labour policies.

Where we identify higher risk relationships or sectors, we reserve the right to conduct targeted supplier audits. These audits may be carried out by our own staff or by independent third parties. Failure by a supplier to meet our requirements, or refusal to engage constructively with an audit, may result in corrective action plans, suspension, or termination of the business relationship.

Raising Concerns and Reporting Channels

Waste Clearance Merton encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chain. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or designated compliance contacts within the company.

Reports will be handled sensitively, investigated promptly, and, where appropriate, escalated to relevant authorities. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. We are committed to protecting confidentiality as far as is reasonably possible and to taking decisive action where wrongdoing is identified.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise. Waste Clearance Merton is committed to continuous improvement in our policies, procedures, and practical measures to identify and address risks of exploitation.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains up to date, effective, and reflective of our current operations and risk profile. As part of this review, we consider feedback from employees, suppliers, audits, and any reported concerns, and we refine our approach accordingly.

By approving and publishing this Statement, Waste Clearance Merton reaffirms its commitment to working proactively and collaboratively to help eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking from our business and supply chains.