Modern Slavery Statement for Charlton Carpet Cleaners

Charlton Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, temporary staff, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Charlton Carpet Cleaners.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We do not accept or condone any practice that exploits individuals, restricts their freedom, or denies them fair pay and safe working conditions. This commitment is integral to our values and underpins our decision-making when we select suppliers, engage contractors, and manage our workforce.

All employees and suppliers are required to act with integrity and in compliance with relevant legislation related to modern slavery and human rights. Any suspicion, risk, or evidence of modern slavery is treated with utmost seriousness and addressed without delay.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Charlton Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chains include providers of cleaning products and equipment, workwear, transport and logistics services, and certain administrative and facility services. While our business operates on a relatively small and local scale, we recognise that modern slavery can occur in any sector and at any level of the supply chain.

We are committed to understanding and managing the risks in our supply chains and to working only with partners who share our ethical standards.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to uphold high standards of labour and human rights. Our expectations are communicated through our supplier requirements, which include commitments to fair pay, safe working conditions, voluntary employment, and respect for human dignity.

To support these commitments, we conduct proportionate checks and audits of our suppliers, with a focus on those considered to be higher risk based on sector, location, or nature of services. These reviews may include requests for information on labour practices, verification of policies related to modern slavery, and, where appropriate, site visits and documentation checks.

If a supplier fails to meet our standards or is unwilling to remedy identified issues, we will consider corrective action, up to and including the termination of the business relationship.

Employee Awareness and Responsibility

All employees are expected to help identify and prevent modern slavery risks. We provide information to staff on how to recognise potential signs of exploitation, such as evidence of coercion, restriction of movement, withholding of identity documents, or unusual working and living conditions.

Managers are responsible for promoting a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation and for ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are fair, transparent, and compliant with employment law.

Reporting Channels and Handling Concerns

Anyone working for or with Charlton Carpet Cleaners who suspects that modern slavery may be occurring in our business or supply chains is encouraged to report their concerns. Concerns can be raised verbally to a line manager or senior manager, or in writing through internal reporting routes. All reports will be treated sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.

We will investigate reports promptly and take appropriate action where modern slavery risks or incidents are identified. We will not tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Charlton Carpet Cleaners is committed to continual improvement in our practices, including refining our risk assessments, improving due diligence on suppliers, and enhancing staff awareness.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by our leadership team to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current best practice and legislation. Updates will reflect any changes in our business, supply chains, risk profile, or legal requirements.

By publishing this statement, Charlton Carpet Cleaners reaffirms its commitment to playing a responsible role in the collective effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.