Watford Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Watford Carpet Cleaning in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Watford Carpet Cleaning is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and responsibly, and we recognise our duty to respect and uphold human rights wherever we operate.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to identifying, preventing, and addressing any risks of modern slavery that may be connected to our activities, whether directly or through our suppliers and contractors.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Watford Carpet Cleaning operates a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, and we strictly prohibit the use of child labour that contravenes applicable laws and international standards.

All individuals working for or on behalf of Watford Carpet Cleaning, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers, are expected to act with integrity and in line with our ethical standards. Any breach of this zero-tolerance policy will be treated as a serious matter, which may result in the termination of employment or business relationships and, where appropriate, the reporting of concerns to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Expectations

Our supply chains primarily include suppliers of cleaning products, machinery, equipment, uniforms, and business support services. We expect all our suppliers and service providers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to maintain lawful, fair, and safe working conditions.

We communicate our expectations to suppliers and require them to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We reserve the right to discontinue relationships with any supplier or contractor who is unable or unwilling to uphold these standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Watford Carpet Cleaning is strengthening its due diligence procedures to better assess and manage the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains. Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk identified, we may conduct supplier audits or request evidence of supplier policies, processes, and safeguards relating to labour practices and human rights.

These activities may include reviewing supplier documentation, seeking information about working conditions, and asking suppliers to confirm their own steps to prevent modern slavery. Should an audit or review raise concerns, we will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Where serious or repeated non-compliance is identified, we will consider ending the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Watford Carpet Cleaning encourages all employees, workers, and external parties to raise genuine concerns about possible modern slavery or human rights abuses connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns may relate to the treatment of workers, recruitment practices, working conditions, or any behaviour that appears coercive, exploitative, or inconsistent with our values.

Concerns can be reported directly to management or through established internal reporting routes. Reports will be treated sensitively and, where reasonably possible, confidentially. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated. All reports will be reviewed and, where appropriate, investigated promptly, with suitable remedial action taken if issues are identified.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness within our organisation about the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, are provided with information or training to help them recognise warning signs and understand how to respond to concerns.

We aim to embed respect for human rights into our day-to-day decision-making and to ensure that our people understand the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing potential risks in our operations and supply chains.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Watford Carpet Cleaning recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continuous improvement and will regularly review our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by the management of Watford Carpet Cleaning. As part of that review, we will assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider any emerging risks, and identify further steps we can take to strengthen our approach. Updates to this Statement will reflect any improvements and changes in our practices.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Watford Carpet Cleaning, who take overall responsibility for ensuring that it is implemented and upheld across the business.