Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Rubbish Collection Catford in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our operations and supply chains. As a local waste management and rubbish collection provider, we recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.

Our Commitment and Zero Tolerance Policy

Rubbish Collection Catford maintains a clear and absolute zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and any form of servitude. We will not knowingly engage with, support, or benefit from any activity that involves the exploitation of people. This expectation applies equally to our employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and any other third parties acting on our behalf.

All individuals working for or with Rubbish Collection Catford are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to modern slavery and human rights. Breaches of our policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, or reporting to the relevant authorities.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Our core services include domestic and commercial rubbish collection, recycling, and associated waste management services across Catford and surrounding areas. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles and equipment, protective clothing, maintenance services, waste processing and disposal sites, and administrative and professional services.

We recognise that some areas of the waste and recycling sector, as well as certain categories of temporary labour and outsourced services, can be at higher risk of modern slavery. We are committed to identifying and addressing these risks proactively.

Supplier Standards and Audit Measures

Rubbish Collection Catford expects all suppliers and contractors to share our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and to operate in line with all applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our onboarding and contract renewal processes, we assess suppliers against our ethical standards, including their own policies, due diligence procedures, and workforce practices.

Where we identify higher risk activities, we may conduct enhanced checks, request evidence of right-to-work processes, or undertake targeted supplier audits. These audits may involve reviewing employment records, checking recruitment practices, and, where appropriate, speaking with workers to ensure they are free from coercion and exploitation. If any supplier fails to meet our requirements or refuses to cooperate with reasonable audit requests, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate our relationship with them.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, agency workers, suppliers, and members of the public to report any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business or supply chains. Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or through any existing whistleblowing or grievance channels.

Rubbish Collection Catford will treat all reports seriously and, where possible, confidentially. We are committed to ensuring that no individual who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation or detriment as a result. Where appropriate, we will investigate concerns, take prompt remedial action, and cooperate fully with law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks across our business, particularly among managers and staff involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Guidance is provided on how to recognise signs of exploitation, how to respond to concerns, and how to escalate issues within the company.

We are committed to continuous improvement of our processes and controls, reviewing our approach in light of emerging best practice, legal developments, and feedback from stakeholders. Where necessary, we will update our policies, contract terms, and training to strengthen our defences against modern slavery.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our operations and supply chains. As part of the review, we will consider any incidents reported, audit outcomes, changes to our business activities, and developments in legislation or guidance.

Rubbish Collection Catford is committed to transparency in reporting the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and to continually improving our approach year on year. This statement has been approved by the management of Rubbish Collection Catford and represents our current position and ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.