Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Rubbish Collection Wandsworth is committed to conducting its business in a manner that respects human rights and upholds the dignity and wellbeing of all individuals. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.

We recognise that the waste management and environmental services sectors can be exposed to risks related to labour exploitation. We take these risks seriously and are dedicated to identifying, preventing, and addressing any potential instances of modern slavery.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Rubbish Collection Wandsworth has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our operations, including the recruitment, employment, and management of our workforce and the way we select and work with suppliers and subcontractors.

No form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is acceptable. We do not tolerate child labour, servitude, or any practice that denies individuals their basic rights and freedoms. All staff, contractors, and suppliers are expected to comply with this policy as a condition of working with us.

We communicate our expectations through contracts, policies, and onboarding processes, making it clear that any breach of our zero-tolerance stance may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of waste handling equipment, vehicles, personal protective equipment, maintenance services, cleaning services, and temporary labour. We strive to work only with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights.

All key suppliers are required to confirm that they comply with applicable labour and human rights laws and that they do not engage in, or support, modern slavery or human trafficking. We seek contractual assurances that workers are employed voluntarily, paid lawfully, and treated fairly.

We undertake proportionate risk-based assessments of our suppliers and reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence of compliance, including information related to recruitment practices, right-to-work checks, wage records, and working conditions. Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier to develop corrective action plans, and, if necessary, suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage anyone who has concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices in our business or supply chain to report them without delay. Reports can be made to any manager, to our central office team, or via our internal whistleblowing channels.

We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise genuine concerns are protected from retaliation. All reports are treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and impartially. If modern slavery is suspected, we will take immediate steps to safeguard any affected individuals and cooperate fully with relevant authorities.

Staff receive guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, such as restricted freedom of movement, signs of coercion, or unusual payment arrangements, and are encouraged to speak up if they observe anything that raises concern.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We promote awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, especially those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided to help them identify and escalate any concerns.

We also seek to improve our processes over time, reviewing our risk assessments, contract terms, and due diligence activities to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks in our sector and locations of operation.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it reflects our current structure, operations, and risk profile. The review considers any incidents reported, the results of supplier audits, changes in legislation, and emerging best practice.

Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this statement and our wider human rights commitments rests with our senior management. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate resources, processes, and oversight mechanisms are in place to uphold our zero-tolerance approach and drive continual improvement.

This statement represents Rubbish Collection Wandsworth's commitment to act ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to work proactively to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.