Merton Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Merton Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, we recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to ensure that exploitation has no place in our organisation or in the products and services we procure.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Merton Carpet Cleaners has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. Modern slavery includes forced labour, debt bondage, servitude, child labour, human trafficking, and all forms of exploitation where a person cannot refuse or leave work because of threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power, or deception.
We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We are also committed to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery occurring within our own operations or our wider supply chains. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this commitment as a non-negotiable condition of working with us.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Merton Carpet Cleaners provides carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains include the sourcing of cleaning products, equipment, machinery, vehicles, uniforms, and other ancillary goods and services. While we consider our overall risk to be relatively low, we recognise that no sector is immune to the risks of modern slavery and we remain vigilant and proactive in our approach.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to share our values and comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We require that suppliers do not use forced, compulsory, trafficked or child labour, and that workers are employed voluntarily and treated with dignity and respect at all times.
To support these expectations, we are implementing proportionate supplier due diligence measures, which may include reviewing written policies, requesting supporting documentation, and carrying out site visits where appropriate. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, either directly or through a third party, to verify compliance with our modern slavery requirements. Any supplier that fails to meet our standards, or refuses to provide adequate information and access, may face remedial action which can include termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Merton Carpet Cleaners encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking, whether in our business or in our supply chains. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, unsafe living or working conditions, retention of identity documents, or any other indicators of modern slavery.
Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or through any established internal reporting or whistleblowing mechanisms. Reports may be made confidentially and will be treated seriously, promptly, and sensitively. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated following investigation.
Training and Awareness
We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training and guidance may include information on recognising signs of modern slavery, understanding reporting procedures, and applying our supplier standards in day-to-day decision-making.
Governance, Accountability and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery commitments rests with the senior management of Merton Carpet Cleaners, who ensure that this Statement is implemented and supported by appropriate processes and controls. Management is responsible for responding to any reported concerns, reviewing supplier performance, and taking corrective action where necessary.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and to reflect any changes in legislation, our business operations, or best practice guidance. As part of the review, we will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, and feedback from stakeholders, and will update our policies and procedures where improvements are identified.
By publishing this Statement, Merton Carpet Cleaners confirms its ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to conducting business in a manner that respects and promotes the human rights of all individuals.
