Modern Slavery Statement — Garden Clearance Merton

Garden Clearance Merton is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach, the due diligence we carry out, and the steps we take to identify and mitigate risk in garden clearing and landscape services in Merton and surrounding boroughs.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy that explicitly prohibits forced labour, debt bondage, involuntary prison labour, and exploitation. Our policy applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged in garden clearance Merton activities. All workers are treated with respect and have the right to a safe workplace, fair pay and freedom of movement.

To support these commitments, we maintain a structured supplier management process for Merton garden clearance procurement. We perform risk-based checks on new suppliers and insist on contractual clauses that require compliance with anti-slavery standards. Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not use exploitative labour and to provide evidence when requested.

Supplier Audits and Ongoing Due Diligence

We conduct regular supplier audits and targeted inspections for higher-risk suppliers. Audits include document reviews, worker interviews, payroll checks and site visits where practical. Our supplier audit program for garden clearing in Merton focuses especially on seasonal labour, subcontracting chains and any area where workers may be paid off-the-books.

Audit outcomes inform corrective action plans; where violations are identified we require remediation within a set timeframe and reserve the right to terminate contracts for persistent or severe breaches. We also use third-party auditors for independent verification when necessary, and we share lessons learned across our operations to reduce recurrence.

We maintain a central register of supplier risk assessments and audit results, updated continuously as part of our procurement lifecycle. This register helps prioritise supplier checks and supports targeted training for procurement staff involved in garden clearance Merton work.

Reporting Channels, Training and Remediation

We provide clear reporting channels so staff, contractors and third parties can raise concerns confidentially. Reports can be raised through anonymous internal mechanisms and will be investigated promptly. All reports are treated seriously and we ensure protection against retaliation.

Our whistleblowing and reporting channels are supported by training: workers and managers receive induction and refresher sessions on recognising signs of modern slavery and how to report suspicions. Training materials cover specific risks related to garden clearance services, including risks associated with temporary workers, labour providers and multi-tiered subcontracting.

In cases where modern slavery is suspected or confirmed, we take immediate action to safeguard affected individuals, including providing access to appropriate support services and cooperating with relevant authorities. Remediation steps are documented, proportionate and victim-centred, and we update procurement practices to prevent repeat incidents.

Our commitments also include:

• Incorporating anti-slavery terms into supplier contracts for garden clearance and landscaping work;
• Maintaining a risk-based audit schedule and transparent supplier monitoring;
• Providing ongoing training and awareness-raising for staff, supervisors and procurement teams;
• Applying swift, transparent remediation where violations are uncovered.

We believe that preventing modern slavery in garden clearing in Merton requires collaborative action across contractors, suppliers and clients. We encourage suppliers to improve practices and to notify us if they identify risks within their own subcontracting chains.

Our approach is driven by continuous improvement. We review our policies, supplier audit processes and reporting mechanisms to reflect evolving best practice and legal obligations within the UK and within the boroughs where we operate.

Annual Review and Accountability

We undertake an annual review of this modern slavery statement and of our anti-slavery program to measure effectiveness and to set priorities for the coming year. The annual review examines audit results, reported incidents, training uptake and supplier performance specific to garden clearance Merton operations.

Transparency and governance are central to our accountability. Leadership sign-off on the annual review ensures that senior management own the outcomes and commit resources to strengthen safeguards. We will continue to adapt our policies to reduce risk and to promote ethical labour practices across all garden clearance and grounds maintenance activities.

By publishing this statement, Garden Clearance Merton reaffirms its commitment to combat modern slavery and trafficking in every part of our operations and supply chains. We will keep striving to ensure that our Merton garden clearance services are free from exploitation and that all workers are treated with dignity and respect.