Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Brixton

Waste Collection Brixton is firmly committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation are serious crimes and fundamental breaches of human rights. This statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in any form. This applies to every aspect of our organisation, including recruitment, employment practices, procurement, and our relationships with suppliers, contractors, and business partners. We will not knowingly work with any party that engages in, or is complicit in, modern slavery or human trafficking.

All staff, from frontline operatives to senior management, are expected to uphold this commitment and act immediately if they suspect or identify any risk of exploitation. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any supplier or contractor found to be involved in modern slavery will face termination of their contract.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, equipment, uniforms, waste processing facilities, agency labour, and professional services. We recognise that some of these areas may carry higher risks of labour exploitation. To address this, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they do not tolerate forced labour or human trafficking.

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new suppliers, assessing their policies, practices, and geographical risks. For higher risk categories, we take additional steps, which may include requesting written confirmations of compliance, reviewing relevant policies, and seeking evidence of training or certifications related to ethical employment practices.

We reserve the right to carry out audits and inspections of suppliers where we identify increased risk or where concerns are raised. These audits may include interviews with workers, examination of employment records, and assessment of working conditions. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions where appropriate, or we will end the relationship if improvements are not demonstrable and timely.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct as soon as they arise. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or our designated HR contact. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will take all reasonable steps to protect those who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation or retaliation.

We treat every report seriously. Allegations of modern slavery or exploitation are investigated promptly and impartially. Where appropriate, we will involve external authorities and support any official investigation. If we confirm that modern slavery has occurred within our operations or supply chain, we will take swift corrective action and review our processes to prevent recurrence.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide appropriate guidance to managers and staff involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract management to help them recognise potential indicators of modern slavery. This includes awareness of high-risk practices such as withholding passports, charging recruitment fees, or restricting movement. Our aim is to ensure that everyone in a position to influence working conditions understands their responsibilities and knows how to respond to concerns.

We regularly review our internal procedures, including our procurement processes and supplier selection criteria, to strengthen safeguards against exploitation. We seek to work with suppliers that share our commitment to ethical labour practices and continuous improvement.

Annual Review and Statement Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to reflect changes in our business structure, supply chains, risk profile, and applicable legislation. As part of the review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, including due diligence, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms.

The updated statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Collection Brixton, who are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and oversight are dedicated to tackling modern slavery. Through this ongoing review and commitment at the highest level, we aim to continually improve our approach and contribute to the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking from our industry and communities.