Waste Removal Merton Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Waste Removal Merton in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Waste Removal Merton is committed to conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in any form. This applies to all aspects of our business, including direct operations, subcontractors, and wider supply chains. We expect the same high standards from our suppliers, contractors, and business partners, and we will not knowingly engage with any organisation involved in practices that breach these principles.

Our leadership team is responsible for promoting a culture where exploitation is never acceptable. Managers at all levels are required to act promptly if they become aware of any concerns relating to modern slavery, and to escalate issues in line with our internal procedures.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Removal Merton operates as a waste management and removal provider, working with commercial, public sector, and residential clients. Our supply chains include suppliers of vehicles, equipment, uniforms, fuel, technology, and outsourced services such as maintenance, cleaning, and temporary labour. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise particularly in lower-skilled, high-turnover, or subcontracted activities, and we focus our oversight and due diligence on these higher-risk areas.

Policies and Supplier Standards

Our zero-tolerance stance is supported by internal policies covering ethical conduct, recruitment, and whistleblowing. These policies make clear that any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is prohibited. We do not charge recruitment fees, and we require that all employees and workers engaged in our operations have the legal right to work and are employed in line with local labour laws.

Suppliers and contractors are expected to confirm compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation. Our standard terms require suppliers to prohibit modern slavery and human trafficking in their own operations and supply chains, and to take reasonable steps to monitor and enforce these requirements.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new suppliers and higher-risk existing suppliers. This includes reviewing their policies on modern slavery, assessing labour practices, and requesting information about their own supply chains where appropriate.

Where a supplier is considered higher risk, we may carry out audits or site visits, either directly or through competent third parties, to verify compliance with our standards. During these audits, we may review employment records, working conditions, and recruitment practices. If we identify non-compliance or serious concerns, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions or, where necessary, terminate the relationship.

Training and Awareness

To support our zero-tolerance policy, we provide relevant staff with training on recognising signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly those involved in procurement, site management, and recruitment. Training emphasises how to respond to concerns, the importance of due diligence, and the responsibilities of individuals to speak up if they become aware of any potential abuse.

Reporting Concerns and Protection

Waste Removal Merton encourages all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery in our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through line managers, our dedicated internal reporting channels, or anonymously through our whistleblowing process.

We will take every report seriously, investigate appropriately, and, where necessary, involve relevant authorities. No individual who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation, disadvantage, or dismissal as a result of speaking up.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continually improving our approach to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. We monitor the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, and training, and we adapt our processes as risks evolve or as we gain further insights.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and, where necessary, updated on an annual basis by the leadership team of Waste Removal Merton. The review considers changes in our business operations, feedback from audits and investigations, developments in legislation, and best practice guidance. Any significant changes to our procedures or standards are communicated to employees and relevant suppliers.

By maintaining a robust zero-tolerance policy, conducting appropriate supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels, and committing to annual review, Waste Removal Merton seeks to play an active role in the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and the wider waste management sector.