Modern Slavery Statement
Sutton Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Sutton Carpet Cleaners in respect of the current financial year. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and throughout our supply chains. Sutton Carpet Cleaners is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our organisation.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Sutton Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations are primarily based in the United Kingdom, and our supply chains include the sourcing of cleaning products, machinery, personal protective equipment, vehicles, and ancillary services that support our day-to-day activities.
We recognise that certain sectors and countries carry higher risks of labour exploitation. While our direct operations are relatively low risk, we understand that modern slavery can exist in any supply chain. We therefore take a proactive approach to identifying and managing potential risks associated with our suppliers and subcontractors.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We have a clear, zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and any form of exploitation. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Sutton Carpet Cleaners.
All managers and those involved in procurement are required to ensure that our zero-tolerance approach is embedded in decision-making and day-to-day practices. We will not knowingly do business with any individual or organisation that does not share and uphold these standards.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We are progressively strengthening our supplier management processes to reduce the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains. Our expectations regarding ethical conduct and labour standards are communicated to existing and prospective suppliers. We expect suppliers to operate in full compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.
Where proportionate and appropriate, we carry out due diligence and supplier audits to assess compliance with our standards. This may include requests for documented policies on labour practices, confirmation of right-to-work checks, details of subcontracting arrangements, and evidence of fair recruitment processes. If concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to address them within a reasonable timeframe or, where necessary, consider suspending or ending the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Sutton Carpet Cleaners encourages a culture of openness and accountability. All staff, suppliers, and others working in connection with our business are encouraged to report, in confidence, any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking.
Concerns can be raised directly with line management or a senior member of the business. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. No person raising a concern in good faith will suffer any retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up. Where appropriate, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks amongst our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Relevant personnel are provided with guidance to help them recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to report concerns.
We will continue to review opportunities for further training and guidance to strengthen our organisational understanding of this issue and to support consistent implementation of our zero-tolerance policy.
Monitoring and Annual Review
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Sutton Carpet Cleaners. As part of this review, we assess the effectiveness of our current measures, consider any emerging risks, and identify opportunities for improvement in our policies, controls, and supplier oversight.
We are committed to continuous improvement and to enhancing our due diligence, auditing, and reporting processes over time. Any significant updates to our approach or policy will be incorporated into the next iteration of this statement and communicated internally and externally as appropriate.
This statement has been approved on behalf of Sutton Carpet Cleaners and reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.
