Modern Slavery Statement for Merton Storage

Merton Storage 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 slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. As a responsible storage provider, we recognise that ethical practice must be embedded in every part of our business, from procurement to day-to-day management. Our approach is based on prevention, vigilance, and swift action where risks are identified.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery in any form. This applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners. We expect everyone who works with Merton Storage to uphold the same standards and to act lawfully and ethically. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in immediate review, suspension of the relationship, or termination of the contract. Our commitment is not limited to compliance; it is a core part of how Merton Storage operates.

To support this commitment, we use a risk-based due diligence process when selecting and reviewing suppliers. Our Merton Storage modern slavery controls include checks on supplier background, ownership structure, workforce practices, and the countries and sectors in which they operate. Where heightened risk is identified, we seek further clarification and evidence of responsible labour practices before entering or continuing the relationship.

Supplier oversight is strengthened through periodic supplier audits and assessments. These reviews may include document checks, policy verification, and evaluation of labour standards in relevant parts of the supply chain. We also encourage suppliers to maintain their own controls, train their teams, and ensure that subcontractors meet equivalent expectations. If concerns arise during an audit, we request prompt corrective action and monitor progress until the issue is resolved. Our aim is to promote improvement while protecting vulnerable workers.

All workers and stakeholders are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Merton Storage provides clear reporting channels for suspected modern slavery, unethical conduct, or unsafe working practices. Reports may be made through internal management routes or via other approved whistleblowing mechanisms. We take every concern seriously, assess it confidentially, and respond in line with our investigation procedures. Where necessary, we escalate issues to senior leadership and take immediate steps to reduce risk.

Training and awareness are also central to our modern slavery statement. Relevant staff receive guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding procurement responsibilities, and acting appropriately if a concern is raised. This helps ensure that our teams can identify indicators such as unusual working conditions, restricted freedom, withheld documents, or coercive behaviour. By strengthening awareness, we improve our ability to prevent harm before it occurs.

Governance and Responsibility

Merton Storage assigns responsibility for ethical compliance to senior management, who oversee implementation of this policy and review progress throughout the year. This governance structure ensures accountability and supports continuous improvement. We expect our managers to lead by example and to reinforce our standards across operations and supply relationships. Our policy applies equally to permanent staff and temporary labour, as well as to outsourced services where applicable.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed annually to confirm that it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. During the annual review, we assess supplier performance, audit findings, reported concerns, training activity, and any emerging risks. Findings from the review are used to update controls, strengthen oversight, and improve our response procedures. Merton Storage is committed to refining its approach each year so that our modern slavery statement remains practical and robust.

Through these measures, Merton Storage seeks to prevent exploitation and uphold ethical standards across our business. We will continue to work with suppliers, employees, and other partners to promote responsible conduct and protect human dignity. Our message is clear: modern slavery has no place in our organisation or in the supply chains that support it.