Modern Slavery Statement for Merton Carpet Cleaners

Merton Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, dignity, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that slavery and servitude can occur in many industries, and we maintain a clear zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines worker freedom or safety.

Our commitment applies to every part of the organisation, including our employees, contractors, and commercial partners. As a carpet cleaning business, we rely on suppliers for cleaning materials, equipment, transport, and support services. We expect all parties to uphold the same ethical standards that guide the work of Merton Carpet Cleaners, and we will not knowingly work with any organisation that fails to respect labour rights.

Our Policy and Responsibilities

We have established internal procedures to prevent modern slavery from entering our workplace or supply chain. Managers are responsible for raising awareness, identifying risks, and acting promptly where concerns arise. Any signs of coercion, withheld documents, restricted movement, unfair wages, or unsafe working conditions are treated as serious matters requiring immediate review.

To support this approach, Merton Carpet Cleaners requires supplier due diligence before onboarding and during ongoing relationships. We assess suppliers based on risk, sector, geography, and labour practices, with closer scrutiny applied where materials or services are sourced from higher-risk environments. Supplier audits may include document checks, labour policy reviews, and verification that workers are employed voluntarily and paid fairly.

Where appropriate, we seek written confirmation that suppliers comply with anti-slavery laws and operate ethical recruitment practices. We may request evidence of wage records, working hours, subcontracting arrangements, and worker welfare controls. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable standards, we may suspend orders, demand corrective action, or end the relationship entirely.

Risk Management and Monitoring

Our risk assessment process is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in operations, sourcing, and legal expectations. We also encourage an open culture in which concerns can be raised without fear. Staff are trained to recognise indicators of exploitation and to understand how to respond appropriately when suspicious behaviour is observed.

Reporting channels are available to employees, contractors, and supply partners who wish to raise a concern about a possible breach of this statement. Reports can be made through internal management routes, and all concerns are handled confidentially and impartially. We do not permit retaliation against anyone who raises a good-faith concern, and every report is taken seriously and investigated promptly.

If an allegation suggests that modern slavery may be present, we will act immediately to protect affected individuals and to preserve relevant information. This may involve pausing work with the supplier, escalating the matter to senior leadership, and seeking appropriate external support where needed. Our approach is guided by the principle that protecting people must always come before commercial convenience.

We also embed ethical expectations into onboarding, contractor briefings, and procurement checks so that awareness is not limited to a single department. This helps ensure that our modern slavery commitment is understood across the business and supported in everyday decisions.

Merton Carpet Cleaners will review this statement annually to make sure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current law and best practice. The review will consider supply chain developments, audit findings, reported concerns, and any changes to the way we operate. Where improvements are identified, we will update our controls, strengthen supplier requirements, and refine our staff training.

This annual review is an essential part of maintaining accountability. It allows us to measure progress, address gaps, and reinforce our zero-tolerance stance against exploitation. We believe that a well-maintained anti-slavery framework is not only a legal responsibility but also a core element of responsible business conduct.

Through continuous vigilance, supplier oversight, and a strong reporting culture, Merton Carpet Cleaners aims to ensure that our services are delivered ethically and without abuse. We remain committed to preventing modern slavery in all its forms and to promoting fair, lawful, and respectful working practices throughout our organisation and supply chain.