Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Greenwich
Hedge Trimming Greenwich is committed to protecting human rights and preventing any form of modern slavery or human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out the actions we take across our services, including Greenwich hedge trimming and residential garden maintenance, to ensure workers are treated fairly, paid appropriately and work in safe conditions. Our commitment is unwavering and applies to all colleagues and subcontractors.
We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, bonded labour, and exploitation. That zero-tolerance approach is embedded in our company policies and is a condition of engagement for all Hedge Trimmers Greenwich contractors. Employees and suppliers must comply with our code of conduct which explicitly prohibits modern slavery practices, and any breach will result in immediate investigation and remediation, up to termination of contracts.
To ensure compliance, we conduct regular supplier audits and risk assessments focused on labour standards. Audits review recruitment practices, working hours, wage records and accommodation where applicable. We expect our suppliers and subcontractors to maintain transparent records and to permit on-site inspections. Where risk is identified in the supply chain for hedge trimming in Greenwich services, we pursue corrective action plans and escalate non-compliance to contract termination if necessary.
Our due diligence process includes screening new suppliers, enhanced checks for higher-risk providers, and periodic re-evaluation of existing relationships. We make use of contractual safeguards requiring suppliers to declare compliance with anti-slavery legislation and to provide evidence of lawful employment and fair recruitment. These measures aim to reduce the risk of modern slavery across both direct employment and labour supplied through agencies.
We maintain clear reporting channels so that workers, subcontractors and members of the public can raise concerns about suspected exploitation or unethical labour practices. Reports may be made anonymously and are treated seriously and confidentially. Our whistleblowing procedures protect reporters from retaliation and ensure prompt investigation. The reporting framework covers all aspects of the business from Greenwich hedge trimmers working on public landscapes to contracted crews serving private gardens.
Training is provided to managers and field staff to recognise signs of modern slavery, including excessive working hours, withheld wages, restricted freedom of movement, and third-party control of identity documents. We use toolbox talks and written materials to reinforce expectations and to ensure that our team, including new recruits and temporary staff, understand their rights and responsibilities.
We document all investigations and remedial actions, and where exploitation is discovered we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of affected individuals, including cooperation with law enforcement and specialist support services. Our response balances immediate protection for workers with longer-term measures to address root causes within the supply chain for hedge maintenance services.
As part of governance, the board reviews our anti-slavery policies and the effectiveness of controls. We conduct an annual review of our modern slavery risk assessment and update policies, training and supplier screening based on new intelligence and regulatory changes. The annual review also measures key performance indicators such as audit completion rates, remedial outcomes and training coverage among Hedge Trimming Greenwich teams.
This statement is approved by senior management and will be published to demonstrate our ongoing commitment. We will continue to strengthen our practices to prevent modern slavery and uphold the dignity of all workers engaged in hedge trimming and related landscape services across Greenwich and surrounding areas.