Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Earls Court Cleaners in respect of our financial year ending 31 December and outlines the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Earls Court Cleaners has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in any form. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place within our own operations or in any of our supply chains.
All employees, contractors and suppliers are expected to uphold this commitment. Any involvement in, or facilitation of, modern slavery or human trafficking is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of contracts or employment and, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Earls Court Cleaners provides professional cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our workforce includes directly employed staff and vetted subcontractors. Our supply chains primarily involve the sourcing of cleaning products, equipment, workwear and ancillary services that support our operations.
We recognise that certain sectors and regions carry a higher risk of labour exploitation. We therefore take particular care when engaging with suppliers involved in the manufacture or distribution of cleaning chemicals, consumables, textiles and equipment.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to comply with all relevant labour, employment and human rights laws. As part of our onboarding process, suppliers are assessed against criteria that include ethical labour practices, transparency of their own supply chains and the presence of policies addressing forced labour and human trafficking.
Where proportionate to the risk and size of the contract, we conduct supplier audits or request evidence of independent audits. These reviews may cover recruitment practices, worker contracts, wage records, working hours, freedom of movement and grievance mechanisms. If any supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.
We aim to work collaboratively with suppliers to address any identified issues, agreeing corrective action plans with clear timescales. Persistent non-compliance or serious breaches will not be tolerated.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Earls Court Cleaners encourages all employees, agency workers, subcontractors, suppliers and customers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised internally to line managers or senior management. Individuals may report issues anonymously if they wish. All reports will be taken seriously, treated confidentially so far as is practical, and investigated promptly and impartially.
No person raising a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up. Where appropriate, we will cooperate with law enforcement and other relevant bodies to support investigations and remedial action.
Training, Awareness and Responsibilities
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment and contract management receive guidance on recognising the signs of labour exploitation and on responding to concerns.
We are working to increase awareness among our workforce about the risks of modern slavery within the cleaning industry and our supply chains. This includes information on indicators of abuse, workers’ rights and the ways to report suspected cases.
Monitoring, Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
We regularly review the effectiveness of the steps we take to prevent modern slavery. This includes monitoring supplier performance, analysing any reported incidents or complaints, and updating our risk assessments and due diligence processes.
This statement and the associated policies and procedures are reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure they remain appropriate and effective. We are committed to continuous improvement and will enhance our measures as legal requirements, industry standards and best practice evolve.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the management of Earls Court Cleaners and is published as our current statement for the relevant financial year.
