Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Removal Barnes

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Removal Barnes has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We are fully committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls that ensure modern slavery is not taking place in any part of our business.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Removal Barnes maintains a clear and strict zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, servitude, and debt bondage. This commitment applies to every aspect of our organisation, from our directly employed team members to the contractors and suppliers with whom we work.

All directors, managers, employees, and contracted workers are required to conduct business in a way that upholds human dignity, respects labour rights, and complies with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery. Any identified or suspected instance of modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may lead to contract termination, disciplinary action, and notification to the relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Removal Barnes provides waste collection, clearance, and associated environmental services. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, fuel, office supplies, facilities management, and outsourced services such as maintenance and cleaning. We recognise that certain areas of the waste management and logistics sectors can be vulnerable to labour exploitation, and we work proactively to identify and reduce these risks.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect the same zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery from all of our suppliers and business partners. Our supplier onboarding process includes an evaluation of labour and human rights practices that are proportionate to the level of risk and nature of the goods or services supplied. We communicate our expectations clearly and require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all modern slavery legislation and do not engage in, or tolerate, any form of forced or exploitative labour.

Where appropriate, we request information on suppliers' own policies, training, and due diligence processes relating to modern slavery. We may decline to enter into or renew contracts where we have concerns that suppliers are not meeting our ethical requirements.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To strengthen our oversight, Waste Removal Barnes applies a risk-based approach to supplier audits and monitoring. Higher risk suppliers, such as those operating in sectors or regions where modern slavery is of particular concern, may be subject to more detailed checks. These may include review of employment records, right to work documentation, working hours, recruitment and wage practices, and health and safety conditions.

We reserve the right to conduct audits ourselves or to request that suppliers provide evidence of independent audits or certifications, where available. Any non-compliance identified through this process will result in corrective action plans with defined timescales. Failure to implement improvements, or evidence of serious or persistent violations, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Removal Barnes encourages anyone connected to our business, including employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers, to speak up if they have concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised directly with a line manager, a senior manager, or a designated compliance contact within the company.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. All reports are treated seriously, handled sensitively, and, where possible, investigated promptly and confidentially. Appropriate remedial steps will be taken where concerns are substantiated, which may include support for affected individuals and corrective measures in our operations or supply chains.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of modern slavery risks within our workforce. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and site supervision, receive guidance on recognising indicators of exploitation and the procedures for reporting concerns. We review our internal materials periodically to ensure they remain aligned with current legislation and best practice.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Waste Removal Barnes recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continually improving our policies, procedures, and practical measures to reduce the risk of labour exploitation. Each year, senior management undertakes a formal review of this Modern Slavery Statement and our associated controls.

The annual review considers changes in legislation, emerging risks within our sector and supply chains, the findings from audits and investigations, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where necessary, we update our policies, strengthen contractual requirements, enhance training, or refine our due diligence processes. This statement is approved at director level and will be updated and published annually to reflect our continuing efforts to eradicate modern slavery from our business and supply chains.