Modern Slavery Commitment at Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames

Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames is firmly committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. We oppose all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, debt bondage, and exploitation. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps we take to prevent, identify, and address modern slavery risks within our operations and supply chains.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chains primarily consist of providers of cleaning equipment, cleaning solutions and chemicals, personal protective equipment, transport services, and facilities management products.

We recognise that, although we are a small to medium-sized business, modern slavery risks can exist at any level of a supply chain, including manufacturing, transportation, and subcontracted labour. We are committed to ongoing assessment of these risks and to working only with suppliers and partners who share our values.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all aspects of our business and to everyone we work with, including employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers. No form of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour is acceptable in any circumstance.

All employees and suppliers are expected to act with integrity, to comply with applicable laws on labour and human rights, and to support a culture where exploitation has no place. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or supplier contracts, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We seek to work with suppliers who uphold high ethical standards. As part of our due diligence process, we carry out proportionate checks on new and existing suppliers. These checks may include review of the supplier's policies on labour and human rights, confirmation of legal right to work for staff provided, and assessment of the supplier's own approach to modern slavery compliance.

Where we identify higher-risk categories, such as certain manufactured goods or subcontracted labour, we may conduct more detailed audits. These audits can involve requesting documentary evidence relating to employment practices and safety procedures, asking targeted questions about recruitment and wage practices, and reviewing the use of any subcontractors or agents. If concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions or, if necessary, discontinue the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We promote awareness of modern slavery among our management team, operational staff, and administration personnel. This includes information on the signs of exploitation, how to respond to concerns, and the importance of ethical sourcing. New starters are made aware of our zero-tolerance approach and the standards of behaviour expected.

We seek to build a culture where staff feel responsible for raising concerns and understand that the company will support them in doing so, without fear of disadvantage or retaliation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour to speak up. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or through internal reporting routes made known to all staff. Employees may report suspicions relating to our operations, colleagues, or any supplier or contractor.

All reports are taken seriously and handled sensitively. We will investigate any allegation of modern slavery promptly and, where appropriate, take corrective and preventive action. We are committed to protecting those who raise concerns in good faith from any form of victimisation or detrimental treatment.

Ongoing Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames is committed to continually improving its processes and understanding of modern slavery risks. We review our policies, supplier checks, and training materials on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the size and nature of our business.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed, updated, and approved by the company's leadership at least once every year, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations or legal obligations. The annual review will consider feedback from employees and suppliers, developments in best practice, and any incidents or emerging risks identified during the year.

By publishing this statement, Carpet Cleaners Kingston Upon Thames reaffirms its commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and continuous efforts to help eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.