Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for Rubbish Removal Merton

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Rubbish Removal Merton to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a responsible waste management and rubbish removal business, we recognise our duty to uphold human rights, promote fair working conditions, and ensure ethical practices across all aspects of our services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Rubbish Removal Merton has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any form of forced, bonded or compulsory labour, servitude, child labour, or exploitation in our own business or within any organisation that supplies goods or services to us. This commitment is endorsed by our management team and underpins our approach to procurement, recruitment, and day-to-day operations.

All staff, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act with integrity and in accordance with our values. Any breach of our zero-tolerance policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, disciplinary action, or referral to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Removal Merton provides rubbish removal, waste collection, and related services to residential, commercial, and community clients. Our supply chains primarily involve subcontracted waste handling providers, recycling facilities, equipment and vehicle suppliers, fuel providers, personal protective equipment suppliers, and office and administrative service providers.

We recognise that some areas of the waste and recycling sector, as well as certain categories of low-skilled labour and outsourced services, can carry a higher risk of exploitation. As such, we place particular focus on those parts of our supply chain when assessing and managing modern slavery risks.

Supplier Standards and Audit Measures

We are committed to working only with suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners who share our stance on modern slavery. As part of our supplier management process, we implement the following measures:

We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour. We assess new suppliers based on their ethical practices, including their approach to modern slavery, working conditions, and employee welfare. Where appropriate, we conduct audits and spot checks of suppliers, either directly or through third parties, to verify compliance with our standards and applicable legislation. We reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers who fail to meet our expectations or who are unwilling to address identified issues within agreed timeframes.

Through these measures, we aim to build long-term partnerships with responsible suppliers and encourage continuous improvement in labour practices across our supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Rubbish Removal Merton actively encourages the reporting of any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. We provide clear internal and external reporting channels so that employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers can speak up without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported directly to a line manager, a senior manager, or a designated member of our management team responsible for compliance. Reports may be raised verbally or in writing. All concerns are treated seriously, handled sensitively, and, where possible, confidentially. We investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate action, which may include engaging with the supplier, escalating matters to authorities, or providing support to affected individuals.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce. Relevant employees receive training on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our zero-tolerance policy, and using our reporting channels. We also provide guidance to managers involved in procurement and supplier management so they can identify and mitigate risks in their areas of responsibility.

Our approach is one of continuous improvement. We regularly review our internal processes and supplier controls to ensure they remain effective, practical, and aligned with evolving legal and industry standards.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the leadership of Rubbish Removal Merton. The annual review considers changes in our business operations, updates in legislation, findings from supplier audits, feedback from staff, and any reported incidents or concerns. Where necessary, we update our policies, training materials, and supplier requirements to strengthen our defences against modern slavery.

By maintaining oversight at senior level and committing to regular review, Rubbish Removal Merton aims to uphold high ethical standards, protect vulnerable individuals, and contribute to a fair and transparent waste management sector.