Gardeners Uxbridge Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Uxbridge in respect of the financial year ending 31 March and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Uxbridge provides gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance services and recognises its responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all areas of its business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Gardeners Uxbridge has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form. We are committed to conducting our business in a way that respects human rights and complies with all relevant legislation, including applicable modern slavery laws. This commitment applies to all people working for or on behalf of Gardeners Uxbridge, whether they are employees, agency workers, contractors, or individuals within our supply chains.
We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners. Any indication that a supplier is involved in, or turning a blind eye to, modern slavery or human trafficking will lead to immediate investigation and may result in termination of the relationship.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Our services involve the procurement of plants, materials, tools, equipment, and associated services from a range of suppliers, including local and national businesses. We recognise that certain areas of the horticulture, agriculture, and construction-related sectors may carry a higher risk of labour exploitation. We therefore place particular emphasis on due diligence and ongoing monitoring within these parts of our supply chain.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Gardeners Uxbridge requires suppliers and subcontractors to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We expect them to uphold standards that prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour; human trafficking; exploitation of vulnerable workers; and the employment of children in contravention of local laws.
To support this, we are implementing a structured supplier assessment and audit process. This includes initial screening of new suppliers against our ethical standards, along with periodic reviews of existing suppliers. Where proportionate and risk-based, we may request evidence of policies, training, and controls relating to modern slavery, or undertake onsite visits to review working conditions. Non-compliance or a failure to cooperate with these measures may result in suspension or cessation of trading with the supplier.
Policies, Training, and Awareness
Our internal policies set out the behaviour we expect from our employees and those acting on our behalf. These policies include clear references to respecting human rights, prohibiting any form of forced or exploitative labour, and maintaining transparent and fair recruitment practices. We are working to ensure that employees involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management are aware of modern slavery risks and know how to respond to concerns.
Training and awareness activities focus on identifying warning signs of modern slavery, understanding our reporting channels, and reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance. We will continue to develop these materials as legislation, best practice, and our own risk assessments evolve.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Uxbridge encourages anyone who works for us, supplies us, or interacts with our services to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised in confidence with line managers or senior management. We will treat all reports seriously, investigate appropriately, and take action where necessary.
We are committed to ensuring that no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting a concern in good faith. Retaliation against individuals who raise legitimate concerns will not be tolerated and will be addressed in line with our disciplinary procedures.
Ongoing Review and Continuous Improvement
This statement will be reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Uxbridge to assess the effectiveness of our actions and to identify further steps to strengthen our approach. As part of this review, we will consider changes in our business activities, developments in best practice, and the evolving risk landscape within our sector and supply chains.
We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our policies, procedures, training, and supplier management activities as required. Gardeners Uxbridge believes that preventing modern slavery requires ongoing vigilance, collaboration, and transparency, and we will continue working with our employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to help eliminate modern slavery in all its forms.
