Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Waste Removal Acton has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business operations or supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold and promote human rights and to act with integrity in all our relationships.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Waste Removal Acton operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking and exploitation. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works for us, and everyone who contributes to our services through our supply chain, is treated with dignity, respect and is free from coercion or abuse.
All employees, contractors, agency staff and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy. Any suspected involvement in modern slavery is treated as a serious breach of our ethical standards and may result in termination of contracts, disciplinary action and referral to appropriate authorities.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Waste Removal Acton provides waste collection, removal and related environmental services. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, maintenance services, office supplies and subcontracted labour. We recognise that some sectors in which we operate and procure from may present higher risks of labour exploitation.
We strive to maintain close, transparent relationships with our suppliers, favouring long-term partnerships where ethical conduct and open dialogue are central. We communicate our expectations clearly and require that our suppliers uphold standards consistent with our own.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
Before engaging new suppliers, we undertake due diligence proportionate to the risk associated with the goods or services being provided. This may include assessing the supplier’s policies on labour rights, health and safety, recruitment practices and their own supply chain management.
We conduct periodic audits of selected suppliers to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. These audits may involve document reviews, site visits and interviews with management and, where appropriate, with workers. Where risks or non-conformances are identified, we work collaboratively with the supplier to implement corrective actions within defined timeframes. Continued non-compliance may lead to suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Training, Awareness and Responsibilities
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who ensure that our policies and procedures are properly implemented, monitored and reviewed. Operational managers are responsible for embedding these standards in day-to-day activities and in interactions with suppliers and subcontractors.
We provide relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management and on-site supervision, with training and guidance to help them identify indicators of modern slavery and understand the appropriate response. We also raise awareness among all employees of the signs of exploitation and their role in reporting concerns.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Waste Removal Acton encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery, whether within our operations or in our supply chain, to report them at the earliest opportunity. Reports can be made to line managers, to a designated senior manager, or through our internal whistleblowing procedures.
All reports are handled sensitively and, where requested, confidentially. We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Every report is investigated promptly and thoroughly, and we take appropriate action, which may include engagement with suppliers, support for affected individuals, and reporting to relevant authorities.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process and that our approach must evolve in line with emerging risks, best practices and legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement and to strengthening our controls and awareness over time.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to identify opportunities for improvement. The review considers the outcomes of supplier audits, incident reports, staff feedback and changes in our operations or supply chain structure. Updated statements are approved at a senior level and communicated internally and externally.
By publishing this statement, Waste Removal Acton reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business and to working collaboratively with partners, employees and suppliers to uphold the highest ethical standards.
