Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of exploitation.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains primarily include suppliers of cleaning products, equipment, workwear, and subcontracted service providers. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist at any point in a supply chain, including in the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, logistics, and subcontracted labour.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and exploitation in any form. This position applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners. Any allegation or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business is treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of contracts, reporting to relevant authorities, and other appropriate action.

Governance and Responsibility

The management of Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners has overall responsibility for ensuring that this statement is implemented and that adequate resources are allocated to support our commitments. Managers are responsible for communicating expectations to their teams and for escalating any concerns raised. All staff share responsibility for upholding our ethical standards and reporting any suspected instances of modern slavery.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We seek to work only with suppliers and partners who share our commitment to human rights and fair working conditions. As part of our due diligence process, we assess new suppliers for ethical and labour standards, including their own policies on modern slavery. We reserve the right to conduct audits and site visits where proportionate and practical, focusing especially on higher-risk categories such as subcontracted labour and imported goods.

Our supplier audits may include reviewing employment practices, checking documentation related to wages and working hours, and discussing management systems for preventing forced or child labour. Where issues are identified, we will work with the supplier to develop corrective action plans and timeframes, and we may suspend or end the relationship if satisfactory improvements are not made.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management, understand the risks of modern slavery and how to identify and respond to potential warning signs. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise indicators such as signs of coercion, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, or unusual wage deductions.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners encourages employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised confidentially with line management or through internal reporting channels without fear of retaliation or detriment. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively.

We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Victimisation or intimidation of individuals who report suspicions of modern slavery is not tolerated and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous monitoring and improvement. We regularly review our risk assessments, due diligence practices, and supplier engagement to strengthen our controls and adapt to emerging risks.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed at least once every year by senior management to evaluate its effectiveness and to identify opportunities for enhancement. Any updates or changes to our approach will be approved at a senior level and communicated internally and to relevant external partners.

This statement reflects the position of Swiss Cottage Carpet Cleaners for the current financial year and demonstrates our commitment to playing our part in the global effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.