Modern Slavery Statement for Carpet Cleaners Merton

Carpet Cleaners Merton is committed to conducting its business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our own operations and throughout our supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers engaged by Carpet Cleaners Merton.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Carpet Cleaners Merton recognises our responsibility to identify, prevent, and address any risks of modern slavery linked to our services and supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Carpet Cleaners Merton maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that supports, enables, or turns a blind eye to such practices. This principle informs our recruitment practices, day-to-day management, and procurement decisions.

All individuals working for or on behalf of Carpet Cleaners Merton are expected to uphold this policy. Any breach, or suspected breach, of our zero-tolerance stance will be treated as a serious matter, which may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, and business support services. We strive to work only with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices and respect for human rights.

Carpet Cleaners Merton requires suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation. We expect them to maintain safe working conditions, pay fair wages, prohibit child labour and forced labour, and provide workers with freedom of movement and the right to leave employment with reasonable notice.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

To support our zero-tolerance policy, Carpet Cleaners Merton undertakes proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This may include requesting information on their labour policies, reviewing publicly available information, and seeking assurances that they do not tolerate modern slavery in their business or supply chains.

Where we identify higher risk activities or locations, we may conduct targeted audits or request evidence of independent audits carried out by the supplier. If concerns are raised during these reviews, we will work with the supplier to address them within a clear timeframe. If adequate improvement is not demonstrated, Carpet Cleaners Merton reserves the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Carpet Cleaners Merton encourages anyone associated with our business, including employees, contractors, and suppliers, to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports can be made to management or through existing internal reporting processes without fear of retaliation.

All concerns raised will be treated confidentially as far as reasonably possible and will be promptly investigated. Where appropriate, we will involve external authorities and cooperate fully with any official investigations. We are committed to protecting individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith and will not tolerate any form of victimisation or detriment.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that relevant staff understand the risks of modern slavery and know how to identify and respond to potential issues. Training and awareness-raising are provided to employees involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management so they can recognise warning signs and follow the correct reporting procedures.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Carpet Cleaners Merton recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to reviewing and improving our practices to reduce the risk of exploitation in our operations and supply chain.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by our management team to assess its effectiveness, respond to changes in legislation, and reflect any lessons learned from our due diligence and reporting processes. Where necessary, we will update our policies, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our approach.

This statement reflects the position and commitments of Carpet Cleaners Merton as of the date of publication and has been approved by the company’s management, who are responsible for its implementation and oversight.