Modern Slavery Statement for Landscapers Merton

Landscapers Merton is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitative work practices across our operations and supply chain. As a responsible landscaping business, we recognise that vigilance is essential in every part of our work, from sourcing materials to engaging subcontractors and seasonal labour. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery.

Our commitment applies to all areas of the business, including management, procurement, site operations, and supplier relationships. Whether we are delivering planting schemes, grounds maintenance, or hard landscaping projects, we expect the same ethical standards from everyone acting on behalf of Landscapers Merton. We require compliance with applicable labour laws, fair recruitment practices, and safe working conditions. Any breach of these principles is treated seriously and may result in termination of contracts or other corrective action.

We carry out risk assessments to identify where modern slavery risks may exist within our services and supply chains. This includes reviewing labour-intensive activities, the sourcing of raw materials, and the use of third-party labour providers. Landscapers Merton checks suppliers against clear ethical criteria and expects documented evidence of lawful employment practices. Where higher risks are identified, we apply additional scrutiny and monitoring to protect workers and uphold our standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier audits are a key part of our due diligence process. We review selected suppliers and contractors to confirm that they meet our expectations on wages, working hours, age verification, and the right to work. Audits may include document checks, site visits, and requests for supporting records. If concerns arise, we investigate promptly and ask for remedial action. Landscapers Merton will not continue relationships with suppliers who fail to address serious non-compliance.

Our procurement process is designed to prevent unethical practices from entering the supply chain. We favour suppliers who demonstrate transparency, responsible recruitment, and a willingness to improve. Contracts may include obligations to follow our anti-slavery standards and to cascade these requirements to their own supply chains. This helps ensure that our landscaping services in Merton are delivered in a way that protects vulnerable workers and supports ethical business conduct.

We also provide internal training so that staff can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withheld documents, debt bondage, or unusual control over workers. Awareness is important because modern slavery can be hidden in plain sight. By strengthening knowledge across the business, Landscapers Merton improves its ability to identify risk early and take decisive action.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Any employee, contractor, or supplier who suspects a safeguarding concern or potential modern slavery issue is encouraged to report it immediately through our internal reporting channels. Reports can be made confidentially, and we do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All allegations are handled seriously, investigated objectively, and escalated where necessary. This reporting framework supports accountability across the Landscapers Merton organisation and helps protect individuals who may be at risk.

Actions Following a Concern

Where a concern is substantiated, we act promptly to protect affected individuals and to prevent recurrence. This may involve suspending a supplier, requiring corrective measures, increasing audit frequency, or notifying relevant authorities. We work to ensure that our response is proportionate, lawful, and centred on safeguarding people. In every case, our priority is to uphold dignity, fairness, and compliance with ethical labour standards.

We record all concerns, findings, and responses so that trends can be monitored over time. This allows us to improve our controls and strengthen prevention measures. The same process applies whether the issue relates to a direct employee, a subcontractor, or a supplier further down the chain. A transparent approach helps Landscapers Merton maintain trust and remain alert to risks in a changing operating environment.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement and the controls that support it are reviewed annually to ensure they remain effective and relevant. The review considers audit outcomes, reported concerns, training uptake, and any changes in legislation or business structure. Where improvements are needed, we update our processes, refine supplier standards, and strengthen monitoring. The annual review is part of our broader commitment to continuous improvement and responsible practice.

Landscapers Merton believes that ethical landscaping depends on more than good workmanship; it depends on respect for human rights at every stage of delivery. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, conducting supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels, and completing an annual review, we aim to reduce the risk of modern slavery in all forms. This statement reflects our ongoing determination to operate responsibly, protect vulnerable people, and contribute to a fairer supply chain.