Modern Slavery Statement — Commercial Waste Tower Hamlets
This statement sets out the commitment of Commercial Waste Tower Hamlets and its affiliated operations to identify, prevent and remedy modern slavery or human trafficking in our commercial waste in Tower Hamlets supply chains. We declare a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, bonded labour, or human trafficking in our waste services and refuse handling activities. Our approach is pragmatic and continuous, embedding responsible procurement across business functions.Our Principles and Scope
We apply a consistent framework across Tower Hamlets commercial waste operations, covering contractors, subcontractors and temporary labour. This modern slavery policy covers collection, transport, sorting and recycling services and applies to all employees and partners. We require everyone working with us to comply with labour standards: fair pay, safe conditions, the right to leave and freedom to terminate employment. We will not tolerate exploitation under any circumstances.
Our aims are simple and measurable: to ensure transparency, to reduce risk and to remediate harm where found. We will maintain supplier due diligence processes and conduct supplier audits to verify practices in the commercial waste sector in Tower Hamlets. This includes checks on recruitment, worker contracts and identity verification, and engagement with trade unions where possible. We publish progress annually and take swift action where breaches occur.
Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We operate a structured due diligence programme for Tower Hamlets commercial waste suppliers. Our audit regime includes desktop reviews, on-site inspections and worker interviews. Key elements include:- Contractor vetting and background checks before onboarding,
- Periodic compliance audits with corrective action plans,
- Random spot checks and verification of payroll records.
We expect suppliers to maintain transparent employment records and to permit independent inspections. If non-compliance is identified, we require a corrective plan and monitor progress. For serious breaches we will suspend or terminate arrangements and pursue contractual remedies. Our procurement teams work with suppliers to build capacity and to share best practice for waste management in Tower Hamlets, reducing risk across the sector.
Reporting channels and whistleblowing are essential to detect and act on potential modern slavery incidents. We provide secure, confidential avenues for workers, suppliers and the public to raise concerns about the commercial refuse and waste handling processes. Reports may be submitted anonymously and will be investigated promptly by a trained compliance team. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and take every allegation seriously.
Our reporting channels include internal escalation routes and structured investigations which may involve law enforcement or labour authorities when required. We respond to reports with immediate risk assessment, temporary protective measures for affected workers, and a clear remediation plan. All actions are documented and reviewed to prevent recurrence within Tower Hamlets commercial waste operations.
Training and awareness are key prevention measures: we deliver mandatory modern slavery training to procurement, site managers and frontline staff in commercial waste services in Tower Hamlets. Training emphasises how to spot signs of exploitation, how to use the reporting channels, and the organisation's zero-tolerance policy. We also encourage suppliers to train their workforce and to adopt the same ethical standards.
We will review this statement and our practices on an annual basis. The annual review covers supplier audit outcomes, reported incidents, remediation measures and training completion rates. Findings from the review are used to improve risk assessment tools, update contracts with stronger anti-slavery clauses and to refresh operational controls across Tower Hamlets commercial waste activities.
We commit to continuous improvement: strengthening procurement checks, increasing unannounced audits, and enhancing worker voice mechanisms. Our governance structure assigns responsibility for implementation to senior managers and the board, ensuring that anti-slavery measures are resourced and enforced. This statement will be updated to reflect lessons learned and evolving risks.
In conclusion, the organisation recognises its duty to combat modern slavery in every aspect of its commercial waste operations in Tower Hamlets. Through robust supplier audits, clear reporting channels, mandatory training, and a firm annual review process, we maintain a resolute stance against exploitation and remain fully committed to protecting workers and upholding human rights within our waste management services.
