Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Lea Bridge

Gardeners Lea Bridge is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. As a responsible Lea Bridge gardening service, we recognise that vigilance is essential across every part of our work.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all forms of modern slavery. We do not accept forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, deceptive recruitment, or any practice that undermines the dignity and freedom of workers. This commitment is embedded in our internal standards and is expected of everyone acting on behalf of Gardeners Lea Bridge, including managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers.

To support this position, we carry out due diligence when selecting and reviewing suppliers. We assess the level of risk associated with materials, labour practices, and sourcing routes, with particular attention to sectors and regions where exploitation may be more likely. Our contracts include requirements that reinforce lawful employment, ethical conduct, and cooperation with monitoring activities.

Supplier audits are a key part of our approach. These audits may be scheduled or, where necessary, unannounced, and they focus on wage practices, working hours, identity documentation, recruitment methods, and workplace conditions. If concerns arise, we investigate promptly and take proportionate action, which may include corrective plans, suspension of supply, or termination of the relationship where standards are not met.

We also invest in awareness so that staff and managers can identify warning signs of exploitation. Training covers indicators such as restrictions on movement, withholding of pay, intimidation, unsafe living conditions, and excessive recruitment fees. By strengthening knowledge across the business, Gardeners Lea Bridge aims to reduce risk and respond quickly if any issue is identified.

Reporting channels are available to ensure concerns can be raised safely and in confidence. Anyone who suspects modern slavery, unethical recruitment, or abuse within our operations or supply chain is encouraged to report it through internal reporting routes. Reports are treated seriously, investigated discreetly, and handled without retaliation. This includes concerns raised by staff, temporary workers, suppliers, or other stakeholders connected to Gardeners Lea Bridge services.

We require suppliers to demonstrate compliance with employment laws and ethical standards. Where appropriate, they must provide evidence of right-to-work checks, fair pay arrangements, and their own safeguards against exploitation. If a supplier cannot meet our standards, we work with them to improve. However, where serious or repeated breaches occur, our response is decisive and consistent with our zero-tolerance policy.

Our governance arrangements ensure that accountability for modern slavery risks is shared across the organisation. Management reviews risk indicators, audit outcomes, and reported concerns to determine whether additional controls are needed. This oversight helps ensure that Lea Bridge gardeners operate within a framework of ethical practice and continuous improvement.

This statement is reviewed annually to reflect changes in legislation, business activity, supplier risk, and the effectiveness of our controls. Each review considers whether our policies, audits, and reporting mechanisms remain suitable and whether further action is required. Through this ongoing process, Gardeners Lea Bridge reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and wellbeing of all individuals linked to our work.