Anti-Slavery Policy

Policy Statement

Eco Ridge Services is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place anywhere in our business or supply chains.

Scope

This policy applies to all persons working for or on behalf of Eco Ridge Services, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and business partners.

Definitions

Modern slavery encompasses:

• Human Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons through force, fraud, coercion, or deception for exploitation
• Forced Labour: Work or service exacted from any person under threat of penalty and for which they have not offered themselves voluntarily
• Debt Bondage: The status arising from a pledge of personal services as security for a debt
• Servitude: The obligation to provide services imposed by coercion
• Child Labour: Employment of children in a manner that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity

Our Commitments

Eco Ridge Services commits to:

• Complying with all applicable anti-slavery legislation, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Conducting all business relationships with transparency and integrity
• Including anti-slavery and human trafficking clauses in contracts with suppliers and subcontractors
• Paying fair wages and ensuring all workers receive at least the National Living Wage
• Verifying the right to work status of all employees and workers
• Never retaining workers' identity documents or restricting their freedom of movement
• Providing a safe and open working environment where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation

Due Diligence in Operations and Supply Chains

We implement robust due diligence measures including:

Supplier Vetting

• Assessing new suppliers against anti-slavery criteria before engagement
• Requiring suppliers to demonstrate their own anti-slavery commitments
• Conducting periodic reviews of existing supplier arrangements
• Terminating relationships with suppliers who fail to meet our standards

Employment Practices

• Verifying identity documents and right to work status for all workers
• Ensuring transparent recruitment practices
• Maintaining accurate employee records
• Paying wages directly to workers' own bank accounts

Site Monitoring

• Conducting regular site inspections
• Monitoring working conditions across all projects
• Ensuring subcontractors comply with ethical labour standards

Indicators of Modern Slavery

All personnel should be aware of potential signs of modern slavery, including:

• Workers appearing malnourished, unkempt, or anxious
• Signs of physical abuse or injury
• Workers lacking personal possessions or identification
• Workers isolated from others or always accompanied by another person
• Workers unaware of their location or workplace address
• Workers collected and dropped off in groups at unusual hours
• Workers not being paid directly or having deductions taken for services such as transport or accommodation
• Workers living in degraded or overcrowded accommodation

Reporting Concerns

We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and business partners to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery. Concerns should be reported through the following channel:

You may also report concerns to external authorities including the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) or local police.

Protection for Whistleblowers

Eco Ridge Services is committed to ensuring that no individual will suffer detrimental treatment as a result of raising concerns about modern slavery in good faith. Any person who retaliates against someone who has reported a concern in good faith will be subject to disciplinary action.

Breach of This Policy

Any breach of this policy will be treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. We may also terminate relationships with suppliers or business partners who breach these standards.

Review and Governance

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness. Senior management is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy throughout the organisation.