Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made on behalf of Cleaners Richmond upon Thames in respect of our financial year ending 31 December. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard workers.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Cleaners Richmond upon Thames provides professional cleaning services to residential and commercial clients. Our workforce consists of directly engaged staff and vetted subcontractors. Our primary supply chains include cleaning products, consumables, equipment, and labour agencies. We recognise that certain sectors, such as cleaning, temporary labour, and product manufacturing, can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, and we focus our efforts accordingly.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our business and to all individuals working for or on behalf of Cleaners Richmond upon Thames, including employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual that engages in, or is complicit in, modern slavery practices.
Our commitment includes ensuring that work is freely chosen, that workers are free to leave their employment with reasonable notice, and that no one is required to lodge deposits or identity documents as a condition of work. We condemn any form of coercion, intimidation, or exploitation and require our partners to share this stance.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect our suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. All key suppliers are required to confirm that they comply with relevant labour laws and that they do not tolerate modern slavery or human trafficking in their operations. We seek to build long-term relationships with suppliers who can demonstrate responsible and transparent employment practices.
We conduct proportionate audits and assessments of higher-risk suppliers, which may include requesting documented evidence of their policies, worker contracts, right-to-work checks, and grievance procedures. Where concerns are identified, we expect timely corrective actions. If a supplier fails to address serious issues or shows unwillingness to improve, we reserve the right to review, suspend, or terminate the relationship.
Due Diligence and Risk Management
We undertake due diligence procedures when onboarding new suppliers and subcontractors, focusing on sectors, regions, and services where the risk of labour exploitation is elevated. Our checks include verifying business legitimacy, assessing employment practices, and reviewing any available statements or policies relating to modern slavery and human rights.
Internally, we maintain processes to ensure that our recruitment and engagement of workers are fair, transparent, and compliant with employment law. We verify identities and right-to-work documentation, ensure wages meet or exceed legal minimums, and provide clear written terms and conditions of employment.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
We encourage a culture in which workers and third parties feel able to raise concerns about potential labour exploitation or unethical conduct without fear of retaliation. Concerns may be raised through line managers, senior managers, or established internal reporting channels. All reports will be taken seriously, treated sensitively, and investigated promptly.
Where allegations of modern slavery or human trafficking are substantiated, we will act swiftly and decisively. This may include notifying relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals to access appropriate assistance, and reviewing our business relationships with any parties found to be involved.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that employees can recognise indicators of exploitation, understand our policies, and know how to respond if they suspect that someone may be at risk.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We acknowledge that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility requiring continuous improvement. We regularly review our policies, procedures, and supplier engagement processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks identified in our sector.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed and updated annually by our senior management team. The review will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, changes in legislation, and evolving best practice. Updated statements will reflect the progress we have made and further steps we plan to take to strengthen our approach.
This statement has been approved by the management of Cleaners Richmond upon Thames, who are committed to ensuring that our business and supply chains remain free from modern slavery and human trafficking.
