Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Bermondsey Carpet Cleaners in respect of our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking in all areas of our business. We are committed to conducting our activities ethically and with integrity and to improving our practices to combat modern slavery.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Bermondsey Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet, upholstery, and associated cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations rely on a range of suppliers, including those providing cleaning products, equipment, workwear, and outsourced services such as specialist maintenance and facilities support. We understand that risks of modern slavery can exist at various tiers of these supply chains, particularly where raw materials, manufacturing, and logistics are involved.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to our own operations, our employees, temporary workers, contractors, and all suppliers and business partners. Any involvement in, or failure to take adequate steps to prevent, modern slavery is wholly unacceptable and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships.

All managers are required to promote a culture in which modern slavery is actively opposed and in which the rights and dignity of workers are respected. We expect everyone working with or for Bermondsey Carpet Cleaners to uphold the same high standards.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who share our values and demonstrate robust labour and human rights standards. As part of our supplier due diligence processes, we assess the risk of modern slavery within our supply chain and take appropriate actions where higher risks are identified.

We require key suppliers to confirm that they comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation and that they maintain conditions that prevent forced, bonded, or trafficked labour. Where appropriate, we may conduct supplier audits or request supporting evidence to verify compliance, including information on recruitment practices, working hours, wages, and subcontracting arrangements.

If any supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery or unable to demonstrate sufficient safeguards, we will take corrective steps which may include improvement plans, enhanced monitoring, suspension, or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions about modern slavery in our operations or supply chains. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment fees, retention of identity documents, indications of coercion, or any other signs that a person may be at risk of exploitation.

Individuals are encouraged to raise concerns with their line manager or senior management. Where this is not appropriate, concerns can be reported through established internal reporting channels which allow issues to be raised confidentially. We are committed to ensuring that anyone who raises a concern in good faith will not suffer any form of detrimental treatment or retaliation.

Training and Awareness

We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately to any concerns that arise.

We will continue to develop our internal training materials and information resources to ensure they reflect evolving best practice and legal requirements relating to modern slavery.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Bermondsey Carpet Cleaners is committed to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our actions to prevent modern slavery. We monitor our policies, risk assessments, and supplier due diligence processes to identify areas for improvement and to respond to changes in our operations or supply chain structures.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually by our senior management. The review will consider any incidents reported, results of supplier audits, progress on training initiatives, and developments in legislation or industry guidance. Following each review, we will update our approach as necessary to strengthen our controls and further reduce the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains.

This statement reflects the commitment of Bermondsey Carpet Cleaners to conduct business responsibly, uphold human rights, and play our part in the global effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.