Woolwich Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Woolwich Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business with integrity, transparency, and respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. This statement relates to the financial year ending 31 December and will be reviewed and updated annually.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Woolwich Carpet Cleaners maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, servitude, and debt bondage. We will not knowingly engage with or support any business or individual involved in such practices. Our leadership team is responsible for embedding this commitment into our culture, policies, and day-to-day operations.
All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy and act in a manner consistent with our ethical standards. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, contract termination, or reporting to relevant authorities, as appropriate.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Woolwich Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chains primarily involve the procurement of cleaning products, machinery, personal protective equipment, uniforms, and other operational materials. We recognise that, while our organisation is relatively small, the risk of modern slavery can exist at any stage of the supply chain, including manufacturing, distribution, and recruitment.
We aim to work only with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate compliance with labour, health and safety, and human rights standards. We prioritise suppliers that share our values and are prepared to provide evidence of ethical business practices.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Our suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable laws related to employment, working conditions, and human rights. We require them to:
Ensure that all work is voluntary and that no worker is forced, bonded, or trafficked.
Prohibit the use of child labour and ensure that all workers meet the minimum legal working age.
Provide fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.
Respect the right of workers to freedom of movement and to leave their employment after reasonable notice.
To support compliance, we conduct periodic supplier reviews and audits, which may include requests for policy documentation, site visits, and confirmation of employment practices. Where concerns are identified, we expect prompt corrective action. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address serious issues, we will consider ending the business relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We provide internal guidance to relevant staff members so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to potential concerns. Awareness of modern slavery risks is incorporated into staff inductions where appropriate, as well as ongoing management discussions.
Woolwich Carpet Cleaners encourages anyone connected with our business, including employees, contractors, and suppliers, to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery. Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal management channels or by speaking directly with a senior manager. We will take all reports seriously, investigate promptly, and, where necessary, escalate issues to authorities or specialist organisations.
We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continually improving our approach to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. This includes periodically reviewing our policies, supplier relationships, and due diligence processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.
This statement and our wider approach to modern slavery will be reviewed at least once every year by the senior management of Woolwich Carpet Cleaners. The review will consider changes in our operations, evolving legal requirements, emerging best practices, and any incidents or concerns raised during the year. Where necessary, we will update our procedures, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our defences against modern slavery.
By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, conducting appropriate supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels, and committing to regular review, Woolwich Carpet Cleaners aims to play a responsible role in the collective effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.
