Merton Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

Merton Carpet Cleaning is committed to conducting business in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It reflects our ongoing commitment to respect human rights and to act with integrity in all our relationships with employees, workers, suppliers, and customers.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Merton Carpet Cleaning has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept, condone, or turn a blind eye to forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, or any form of exploitation. This commitment applies to our own operations and extends to every organisation that supplies goods or services to us, whether directly or indirectly.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this stance and comply with applicable laws relating to labour, human rights, and workplace standards. We will take immediate and decisive action if we identify, or have reasonable grounds to believe, that modern slavery is occurring within our sphere of influence.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Merton Carpet Cleaning provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning chemicals and equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles, maintenance services, facilities, and certain outsourced administrative services. While our business is relatively low risk in terms of modern slavery, we recognise that no sector is entirely immune, and we remain vigilant.

Policies and Governance

Our approach to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies that promote lawful and ethical conduct. These include policies on ethical sourcing, health and safety, fair recruitment, equality and diversity, and whistleblowing. Our management team is responsible for implementing this statement, monitoring compliance, and ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to operate in accordance with our values and to comply with all laws relating to employment, labour standards, and human rights. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management processes, we communicate our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and require suppliers to confirm that they have appropriate policies, controls, and due diligence in place.

Where proportionate to the level of risk, we conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance. These may include requesting documentation, seeking written confirmations, and, where feasible, undertaking site visits or remote reviews. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. If issues are not resolved, or if serious breaches are identified, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness is vital in identifying and preventing modern slavery. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, are provided with guidance and training to help them recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond. We encourage a culture where ethical concerns are taken seriously and acted upon.

Reporting Concerns and Channels

All employees, workers, and suppliers are encouraged to report any concerns, suspicions, or knowledge of modern slavery or unethical practices connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or through our internal whistleblowing channels. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

All reports will be investigated promptly and sensitively. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities or specialist organisations to address the issue and to protect any affected individuals.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Merton Carpet Cleaning is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery. We regularly review our policies, processes, and supplier engagement to identify opportunities to strengthen our controls and reduce risks. This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements.

As part of this annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider feedback from stakeholders, and update our approach where needed. This statement has been approved by the management of Merton Carpet Cleaning, who are responsible for ensuring it is implemented throughout the business.