Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

St. John's Wood Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity and respect for the rights and dignity of all people. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery within our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of St. John's Wood Carpet Cleaners.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices. Our policy requires everyone associated with our business to act ethically and to comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, employment, and human rights.

Any suspected breach of this policy will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and may result in the termination of employment or business relationships where appropriate. Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this commitment is embedded in our culture and day-to-day operations.

Our Business and Supply Chains

St. John's Wood Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chains include providers of cleaning equipment, detergents and other cleaning products, personal protective equipment, vehicles, and various facilities and administrative services. While our direct workforce is relatively small and closely managed, we recognise that risks can arise in extended supply chains, including manufacturers and distributors operating in different regions.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers to uphold the same high standards that we apply to our own operations. As part of our supplier onboarding and review processes, we seek assurance that suppliers:

Operate in full compliance with labour and human rights laws, prohibit forced and child labour, provide safe and healthy working conditions, and pay fair and lawful wages.

Suppliers may be asked to confirm their own modern slavery policies, provide information on their labour practices, and demonstrate how they manage modern slavery risks in their own supply chains. Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier to address issues or, if necessary, discontinue the relationship.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

We are committed to ongoing monitoring of modern slavery risks in our supply chains. This may include desk-based reviews of supplier documentation, questionnaires regarding labour standards, and periodic site visits where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk.

If a supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery or serious labour abuses, we will take immediate steps to investigate and to protect affected individuals. This may involve corrective action plans, suspension of orders, or termination of contracts. Our aim is to use our influence to encourage improvements while maintaining our zero-tolerance stance.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage employees, contractors, and suppliers to raise any concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be reported to line managers or senior management in person or in writing. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will take all reasonable steps to protect individuals who raise genuine concerns from detrimental treatment or retaliation.

All reports will be investigated sensitively and, where appropriate, in collaboration with external experts or authorities. We will keep records of all reported concerns and the actions taken in response.

Training and Awareness

We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among employees whose roles involve recruitment, procurement, or the management of suppliers. Training and guidance may include information on identifying warning signs of exploitation, understanding our policies and expectations, and knowing how to report concerns safely.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to reflect changes in our business, supply chains, and legal requirements. As part of this review, we will consider feedback from employees and suppliers, outcomes of any investigations, and developments in best practice.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training accordingly. By regularly reviewing our approach, St. John's Wood Carpet Cleaners seeks to strengthen our efforts to prevent modern slavery and to promote ethical, responsible business practices across all areas of our operations.