Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Swiss Cottage

Rubbish Collection Swiss Cottage is committed to conducting all aspects of our operations in a manner that respects human rights, promotes fair labour practices, and prevents modern slavery and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address risks of modern slavery within our business and our supply chains.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Collection Swiss Cottage provides waste collection and related services to residential, commercial, and public sector customers. Our operations rely on a network of suppliers and contractors, including providers of vehicles, equipment, uniforms, cleaning products, waste processing facilities, and agency labour. We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at multiple tiers of the supply chain, particularly in sectors involving manual labour, logistics, and outsourced services.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that is involved in or condones such practices. Our commitment extends to both our internal operations and our external business relationships. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this standard and act in a manner that is consistent with our values and with applicable laws.

Policies and Governance

Our modern slavery approach is supported by internal policies, including our code of conduct, anti-bribery policy, and whistleblowing policy. These documents set clear expectations regarding ethical behaviour, respect for human rights, and the duty to report concerns. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable systems and controls are in place to prevent modern slavery, and for reviewing our ongoing compliance efforts.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our stance on modern slavery and ethical conduct. Before entering into or renewing contracts, we conduct appropriate due diligence proportionate to the risk presented by the goods or services. This may include reviewing supplier policies, requesting confirmations on labour practices, and assessing geographic and sector-specific risks.

We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, either remotely or on site, to verify compliance with our standards. These audits may cover working conditions, use of labour agencies, wage and hour practices, identity documentation procedures, and grievance mechanisms. Where higher risks are identified, enhanced oversight and more frequent audits may be applied. Failure by a supplier to address modern slavery concerns or to cooperate with reasonable audit requests may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business or supply chain. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a member of senior management, or through our whistleblowing channels. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will treat all disclosures sensitively and seriously.

We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. All reports will be assessed promptly, and where appropriate we will investigate, take corrective action, and engage with relevant authorities or external experts.

Training and Awareness

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce and key suppliers. This includes providing guidance on recognising warning signs, understanding rights and responsibilities, and knowing how to report concerns. By promoting awareness, we seek to ensure that modern slavery is actively considered in everyday decision-making and procurement activity.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Each year, we review the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence processes, and audit findings to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancement. As part of this annual review, we consider changing risk profiles, regulatory developments, and feedback from employees and suppliers.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated at least once every twelve months to reflect our evolving approach and to demonstrate our continued commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.