Modern Slavery Statement — Garden Maintenance West Ham

Garden Maintenance West Ham is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach across the business, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, debt bondage, and any form of exploitation. We recognise our responsibility as a local provider of garden maintenance in West Ham and related landscaping services to ensure that everyone who works with us or for us is treated with dignity and fairness.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance policy is uncompromising. All staff and contractors engaged by Garden Maintenance West Ham are expected to comply with high standards of ethical behaviour. We mandate that all recruitment is lawful, voluntary and without coercion, and we explicitly prohibit retention of identity documents, withholding wages, or restricting freedom of movement. Any breach of this policy will result in immediate investigation and, where confirmed, termination of contracts and referral to relevant authorities.

We reinforce our stance across all West Ham gardening and grounds maintenance contracts by embedding anti-slavery clauses in procurement. Suppliers and subcontractors must demonstrate compliance with our policies before engagement and as part of ongoing relationships. We will not tolerate suppliers who permit exploitative labour practices and will take corrective action up to and including contract termination.

To support implementation, Garden maintenance West Ham operates a programme of supplier due diligence. This includes risk assessment and targeted supplier audits focused on labour conditions, recruitment practices and wage records. Audits are conducted by trained staff or third-party auditors and are tailored to the risk profile of the supplier, the type of work performed and the origin of the workforce.

Supplier audits examine a range of indicators, including but not limited to:

• Verification of employment contracts and workers' right to work;
• Evidence of lawful wage payments and working hours;
• Documentation of transparent recruitment fees and the absence of debt bondage;
• Health and safety compliance and freedom of movement for workers.

When issues are identified, we adopt a corrective action plan with clear timescales and follow-up audits. Persistent non-compliance leads to debarment from our supply chain. These measures are central to how the West Ham garden maintenance team ensures ethical sourcing across our service delivery.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We provide safe and confidential reporting channels for employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about modern slavery. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly by designated senior staff, and managed with confidentiality and protection against retaliation. We encourage internal reporting and support external reporting through appropriate authorities if necessary.

All staff receive training on recognising signs of exploitation and the correct steps to report concerns. Line managers are trained to respond sensitively and professionally, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive immediate protection. Our approach to reporting reinforces transparency and accountability within the West Ham gardening sector.

Annual review and continuous improvement are integral to our policy. Garden Maintenance West Ham will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess effectiveness, update risk assessments, and reflect changes in our operations or supply chains. The review will consider audit findings, reported incidents, training uptake, and any legislative developments relevant to modern slavery.