Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for Waste Clearance Docklands

Introduction and Purpose

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Waste Clearance Docklands to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the waste management and clearance sector can be vulnerable to labour exploitation, and we are committed to playing an active role in identifying, preventing, and addressing any such risks.

This statement covers our activities for the most recent financial year and will be reviewed and updated annually.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Clearance Docklands provides waste clearance, rubbish removal, and related services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Our supply chains include transport and logistics providers, equipment and vehicle suppliers, waste disposal and recycling facilities, recruitment and labour agencies, and various professional and office service providers.

We understand that some parts of our supply chain, particularly labour provision, transportation, and recycling operations, may carry higher risks of modern slavery. We therefore focus additional attention and controls on these areas.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Waste Clearance Docklands has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and exploitation. This applies to every aspect of our operations and to all parties we work with, including suppliers, contractors, intermediaries, and agents.

Our zero-tolerance stance means that any confirmed incident of modern slavery will result in immediate and decisive action, which may include terminating contracts, reporting concerns to the relevant authorities, and cooperating fully with investigations.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers and contractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management, we:

Require confirmation that suppliers comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws; ask suppliers to demonstrate effective policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery; and assess suppliers in higher-risk categories with enhanced scrutiny and more frequent review.

Where appropriate, we may ask suppliers to provide evidence of right-to-work checks, fair wage practices, and safe working conditions. We will not knowingly engage with any supplier that fails to meet our standards or refuses to address identified issues.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Waste Clearance Docklands undertakes proportionate supplier audits to monitor compliance with our expectations on modern slavery. These audits may include document reviews, site visits, and structured discussions with management and, where feasible, workers.

Audits focus on working hours, pay and conditions, recruitment practices, use of labour agencies, and grievance mechanisms. Any non-compliance identified during an audit triggers a corrective action plan with clear timelines for improvement. If a supplier fails to implement agreed corrective actions, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other stakeholders to report concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, with our senior management team, or via our internal whistleblowing channels.

All reports are treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where there is evidence of criminal conduct, we will report the matter to the appropriate authorities. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Training and Awareness

To support our zero-tolerance approach, we provide appropriate training and guidance to managers and relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contracting, and site operations. Training covers the signs of modern slavery, how to raise concerns, and the responsibilities of staff when dealing with suppliers and workers.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by our senior management team. As part of the review, we consider audit findings, reported concerns, changes in legislation, and developments in best practice.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our policies, procedures, and training to strengthen our ability to prevent and address modern slavery in our business and supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Clearance Docklands and represents our ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.