Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Rubbish Collection Barnet is committed to conducting all aspects of its business with integrity, transparency and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors and suppliers engaged by Rubbish Collection Barnet.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Rubbish Collection Barnet has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices. We expect all those we work with to share our commitment to ethical conduct, lawful employment practices and respect for fundamental human rights.

All employees and managers are required to uphold this policy in their day-to-day activities. Any action, omission or relationship that may facilitate modern slavery is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Rubbish Collection Barnet provides waste and recycling collection services across Barnet and surrounding areas. Our operations rely on vehicles, equipment, uniforms, fuel and various facility services, which are sourced from a range of suppliers and subcontractors. We recognise that some parts of the waste management and logistics sectors may be at greater risk of labour exploitation, particularly where low-skilled or temporary labour is used.

We are committed to understanding these risks and taking proportionate steps to prevent modern slavery within our own activities and throughout our supply chain, including labour providers, maintenance contractors, equipment suppliers and ancillary services.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws. As part of our procurement and contract management processes, we communicate our zero-tolerance stance and require suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded or involuntary labour and that workers are employed and paid in line with legal requirements.

Where appropriate, we carry out due diligence checks on new and existing suppliers. This may include requesting evidence of labour practices, reviewing policies and contracts, and assessing their own measures to combat modern slavery. For higher risk categories of supply, we may conduct targeted audits, including site visits and interviews with relevant personnel, to verify that working conditions are safe, lawful and respectful.

Where non-compliance or concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. If serious or repeated breaches are found, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Rubbish Collection Barnet encourages all employees, workers, suppliers and members of the public to report any concern or suspicion of modern slavery linked to our business. Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager or a designated member of the management team responsible for compliance and ethics.

Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, withholding of documents, indications of coercion or any behaviour suggesting exploitation. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled as confidentially as reasonably possible. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, whether it is proven or not.

Training and Awareness

We aim to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise indicators of exploitation, understand reporting routes and apply our zero-tolerance policy in practice.

Managers are expected to lead by example, promoting an open culture where ethical concerns can be raised freely, and ensuring that agency workers and contractors operating on our sites are treated fairly and lawfully.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Rubbish Collection Barnet. They review our internal controls, procurement practices and incident reports to ensure that our measures remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually and updated where necessary to reflect changes in our business, legal requirements and best practice. We also take into account feedback from employees, suppliers and other stakeholders when improving our approach.

By publishing this statement, Rubbish Collection Barnet reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery in all its forms and to continually strengthening the protections in place across our operations and supply chains.