Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Erith

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the approach of Hedge Trimming Erith and its associated teams to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a local provider of hedge trimming in Erith and surrounding communities, we recognise our responsibility to maintain high ethical standards and to ensure that every worker engaged directly or indirectly is treated with dignity and fairness. Our commitment to eradicating exploitation is central to the values of Erith hedge trimming services and to the integrity of our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery. Hedge Trimming Erith will not knowingly engage with, contract with, or tolerate suppliers, subcontractors or workers who use forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, or other forms of exploitation. We require compliance from all partners and expect immediate corrective action if concerns are raised. Our zero-tolerance stance applies across all functions: from field hedge trimming teams to administrative and procurement processes.

To support this position we have incorporated clear contractual clauses and behavioural standards into our agreements with suppliers and labour providers. These clauses require adherence to local and international labour standards, transparent pay practices, and the right of workers to freedom of movement and voluntary employment. Hedge trimmers in Erith engaged by us must be free to choose their work, paid fairly, and able to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

Hedge Trimming Erith undertakes targeted due diligence and regular supplier audits to identify and mitigate modern slavery risk in our supply chain. Our audit process includes documentation review, on-site visits where practicable, and worker interviews to verify working conditions. We prioritise suppliers operating in higher-risk areas and those providing temporary labour or seasonal services commonly used in the hedging sector.

Key elements of our supplier audit and due diligence programme include:

• Verification of identity and right to work for individuals engaged through subcontractors;
• Assessment of wage and hour records to ensure lawful and timely payment;
• Checks on subcontracting chains and recruitment practices to avoid exploitation;
• Remediation plans and follow-up monitoring where risks or breaches are identified.

We engage with suppliers of Erith hedging services to ensure continuous improvement. Where audits reveal non-compliance, we require corrective actions, set timescales for remediation, and, where necessary, suspend or terminate relationships with persistent offenders. Our procurement team integrates ethical criteria into supplier selection for all hedge care contracts.

Reporting channels are central to our prevention strategy. Hedge Trimming Erith provides multiple confidential avenues for workers, contractors and members of the public to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or exploitation. These channels include an internal whistleblowing route, designated safeguarding officers, and the option to raise issues through anonymous reporting mechanisms. We emphasise protection for whistleblowers and explicit non-retaliation policies to encourage prompt reporting.

To support reporting and awareness we deliver training to staff and contractors on how to recognise signs of exploitation, how to respond sensitively, and how to use the reporting channels. Our training is tailored to the practical realities of field work, seasonal contract changes, and the day-to-day operations of hedge trimmers in Erith.

Hedge Trimming Erith will review this Modern Slavery Statement on an annual basis. The annual review assesses the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting processes, and sets targets for the coming year. Findings from each review inform updates to contracts, procurement criteria, and remediation strategies to strengthen our response to modern slavery risks across the business.

Conclusion: We are committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and decisive action to eliminate modern slavery from our operations and supply chain. Our approach to modern slavery for Erith hedge trimming contractors and partners combines a clear zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels, and a rigorous annual review to protect workers and uphold ethical standards throughout our services.