Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage

Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage is firmly committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of forced labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking associated with our business activities.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agencies, suppliers, and any other third parties that work with or on behalf of Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage.

No form of exploitation, coercion, or abuse of vulnerable individuals will be tolerated. We expect all individuals representing our business to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and to comply with all relevant laws and regulations relating to modern slavery and human rights.

Any confirmed breach of this policy will result in decisive action, which may include disciplinary measures up to and including termination of employment or contract, and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chain Standards

Our operations rely on a network of suppliers and service providers, including waste collection partners, equipment manufacturers, transport providers, and maintenance contractors. We recognise that modern slavery risks can be present at any stage of the supply chain, particularly where labour is sourced through third parties or where there is a lack of transparency.

We require suppliers to operate in a manner consistent with our zero-tolerance policy and to maintain working conditions that respect the rights, dignity, and safety of all workers. This includes fair pay, reasonable working hours, freedom of movement, and the absence of any forced, bonded, or child labour.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

To support our commitment, we conduct proportionate due diligence on existing and prospective suppliers. This process may include the use of questionnaires, document reviews, and site visits where appropriate, with a focus on labour practices, recruitment processes, and health and safety standards.

We reserve the right to audit suppliers to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. During audits, we may request evidence of employment records, contracts, training, and policies addressing modern slavery and human rights. Where significant risks or concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree an improvement plan with clear timelines.

If a supplier is unwilling or unable to demonstrate sufficient progress in addressing identified issues, Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, and third parties to raise any concerns about potential modern slavery or human rights abuses connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be reported directly to line managers, senior management, or through our designated confidential reporting channels.

Reports can be made anonymously where permitted by law, and all concerns will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate retaliation or victimisation against any individual who raises a concern in good faith. Any person found to have victimised a whistleblower will be subject to disciplinary action.

Training and Awareness

To help prevent modern slavery, we provide appropriate training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and supplier engagement. This training aims to increase awareness of modern slavery indicators and promote responsible decision making in supplier selection and oversight.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery commitments rests with the senior management team of Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage. They ensure that adequate resources, processes, and controls are in place to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains.

We review this Modern Slavery Statement and our related procedures at least once every year, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, guidance, or business activities. The annual review considers the effectiveness of our due diligence, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms, and identifies opportunities for continual improvement.

By maintaining clear standards, robust supplier engagement, accessible reporting channels, and regular review, Waste Disposal Swiss Cottage strives to play an active role in eradicating modern slavery and promoting fair and ethical treatment for all workers connected with our business.