Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Uxbridge

Gardeners Uxbridge is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines our approach to identifying, managing and eradicating slavery, forced labour and exploitation. We publish this anti-slavery declaration to be transparent about the steps we take, the expectations we set for partners, and the continuous measures we adopt to protect workers and communities involved with our services.

Zero-tolerance policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy on slavery and human trafficking. All employees, contractors and suppliers must comply with our standards. Any breach is treated seriously and will result in proportionate action, including termination of contracts and referral to enforcement authorities where appropriate. Our management team retains the authority to enforce corrective action and to suspend relationships when modern slavery indicators are detected.

Scope and responsibilities

The scope of this modern slavery and human trafficking policy covers direct operations, subcontractors and our supply network for horticultural goods, labour and services. Senior leadership is accountable for delivery of this anti-slavery statement, while site managers and procurement staff are responsible for on-the-ground due diligence. All employees receive instruction on recognising signs of exploitation and the importance of reporting concerns through defined channels.

Supplier audits and due diligence

We maintain a proactive supplier audit programme to assess compliance with our anti-slavery expectations. Supplier checks include documentation reviews, right-to-work checks, and on-site visits where risk indicators exist. Our supplier audit approach includes:

• Pre-qualification screening of new suppliers for labour and human rights risks;
• Periodic on-site audits and remote assessments to verify working conditions;
• Corrective action plans with timelines for any non-compliance identified.

Where audits reveal issues, Gardeners Uxbridge requires immediate remediation and ongoing monitoring. We may withhold payments, renegotiate terms, or terminate contracts if suppliers fail to implement corrective measures. Our procurement terms incorporate clauses that require suppliers to act in accordance with this slavery and human trafficking statement and to provide transparent records on labour practices.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

Gardeners Uxbridge provides multiple reporting channels for concerns about modern slavery, available to employees, contractors and third parties. Reports can be made confidentially and anonymously, and we explicitly protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Our reporting routes include internal line managers, a dedicated compliance mailbox, and an independent reporting mechanism managed by a third party for sensitive cases. We ensure every allegation is logged, risk-assessed and investigated promptly.

We require training for staff involved in recruitment, procurement and supplier management so they can identify red flags — such as withheld documents, excessive debt bondage, or restricted movement — and escalate appropriately. Gardeners Uxbridge also conducts periodic risk mapping across geographic sourcing areas and service types to prioritise high-risk suppliers for enhanced audits and engagement.

Our contractual framework embeds strong expectations: suppliers must permit audits, comply with lawful employment standards and demonstrate transparent payroll and recruitment records. We encourage collaboration with suppliers to drive improvements rather than immediate punitive measures where feasible, but we will not tolerate persistent or egregious breaches.

Annual review and continuous improvement

Gardeners Uxbridge undertakes an annual review of this anti-slavery policy and the broader modern slavery compliance programme. The review examines audit outcomes, reported incidents, remediation effectiveness and training uptake. Findings inform revised risk assessments, updated supplier terms and enhanced monitoring protocols. We set measurable targets each year to reduce risk, increase audit coverage and improve remediation timescales.

In conclusion, this Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Uxbridge reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing forced labour and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. We will continue to publish progress, refine our supplier audits, maintain clear reporting channels and perform yearly reviews to strengthen protections for workers. Our pledge is to act with integrity and diligence so that our gardens, services and procurement processes are free from modern slavery.