Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Carpet Cleaners Swiss Cottage has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing systems and controls that support this commitment.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Carpet Cleaners Swiss Cottage provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains primarily include cleaning product manufacturers and distributors, equipment suppliers, professional service providers, and labour agencies where applicable. We recognise that certain parts of the cleaning and facilities sector can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, and we are committed to identifying and managing those risks.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour. This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of Carpet Cleaners Swiss Cottage at all levels, including employees, contractors, agency workers, suppliers, and business partners.

We expect everyone who has, or seeks to have, a business relationship with us to share our commitment to ethical labour practices. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. For suppliers and other third parties, breaches may result in suspension or termination of contracts and removal from our approved supplier list.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are working to ensure that modern slavery risks are identified and addressed throughout our supply chains. Our approach includes:

Carrying out risk-based due diligence on new suppliers, with a focus on those operating in higher risk sectors or locations.

Requiring suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws and that they prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, as well as human trafficking.

Conducting periodic supplier audits or assessments, which may include requests for documentation, on-site visits where appropriate, and review of labour practices, recruitment processes, and subcontracting arrangements.

Reserving the right to investigate, request corrective action, or cease working with any supplier where we identify, or reasonably suspect, that modern slavery or related abuses are taking place.

Reporting Concerns and Speaking Up

We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any genuine concerns or suspicions about modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices connected with our business or supply chains.

Concerns can be raised with a manager, a senior member of the company, or through any existing internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will take all concerns seriously and handle them sensitively and, where possible, in confidence.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be assessed and, where necessary, investigated promptly. Appropriate action will be taken if any modern slavery risks or incidents are identified.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery risks sits with the senior management of Carpet Cleaners Swiss Cottage. Managers are responsible for ensuring that their teams understand and comply with this statement and our supporting policies.

We provide relevant staff with guidance on recognising indicators of modern slavery, understanding our zero-tolerance approach, and knowing how to report concerns. We expect our suppliers to provide suitable training and information to their own employees and subcontractors.

Monitoring and Annual Review

We are committed to continually improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. To support this, we will review this statement and our related procedures on an annual basis, or sooner if there are significant changes in our business or in applicable legislation.

As part of the annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our actions by considering supplier audit findings, any reported concerns or incidents, outcomes of investigations, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where necessary, we will update our policies, strengthen our due diligence processes, and enhance training or communication to address identified gaps.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the management of Carpet Cleaners Swiss Cottage and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and the prevention of modern slavery in all its forms.