Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Kingston upon Thames Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. We recognise our responsibility to help prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out the steps we take to identify, mitigate, and address the risks of modern slavery in connection with our carpet cleaning and associated services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form. This applies to all aspects of our business, including our own workforce, temporary and agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. We expect all those who work with us or on our behalf to share this commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights.

All managers and team leaders are responsible for promoting a culture where exploitation is not tolerated and where concerns are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed in a fair and transparent way.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Kingston upon Thames Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment, training services, facilities, and other business support services.

We recognise that certain sectors and regions pose a higher risk of labour exploitation. We therefore pay particular attention to suppliers involved in the manufacture and distribution of cleaning chemicals, textiles, and equipment, as well as any outsourced labour or subcontracted services.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and contractors to operate in full compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. As part of our procurement and supplier management process, we assess the ethical standards of our key suppliers and seek assurances that they do not engage in or support modern slavery or human trafficking.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits or request evidence of existing third-party audits. These may include reviewing policies, employment practices, working conditions, recruitment processes, and subcontracting arrangements. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to demonstrate adequate safeguards, we will review the business relationship and may choose to terminate it.

We also include contractual requirements that prohibit modern slavery and require suppliers to notify us of any breaches or incidents related to labour exploitation in their operations or supply chains.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and other business partners to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, unsafe working conditions, unfair recruitment practices, withholding of wages or identity documents, or intimidation and coercion.

Individuals can raise concerns directly with management or through established internal reporting channels within the company. Reports can be made in confidence, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

All reports of suspected modern slavery will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities or specialist organisations to ensure that any victims are protected and that appropriate action is taken against those responsible.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that employees can recognise signs of potential exploitation and understand how to respond and report concerns.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. This includes reviewing our risk assessments, strengthening supplier due diligence, and updating policies and procedures in line with best practice and evolving legal requirements.

Annual Review and Approval

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and reflective of our current activities and supply chain. As part of the review, we evaluate any incidents reported, the findings of supplier audits, and feedback from employees and stakeholders.

Following each review, we will update this statement where necessary and communicate any significant changes to our staff and key suppliers. The updated statement will replace previous versions and will represent the current position of Kingston upon Thames Carpet Cleaners in relation to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking.