Modern Slavery Statement for Acton Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Acton Carpet Cleaners is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner and to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals who contribute to our services.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Acton Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations rely on a network of suppliers and contractors who provide cleaning products, equipment, and occasional specialist services. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in any sector or country and we are committed to identifying and addressing potential risks in our supply chains.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We have a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, debt bondage, and child labour. This commitment applies to our own activities and to everyone we work with. We expect all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to share this stance and to conduct their activities in line with internationally recognised human rights and labour standards.

Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter. For employees, this may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. For suppliers and contractors, failure to comply with our expectations may result in suspension of work, termination of contracts, or removal from our approved supplier list.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We seek to work only with suppliers and partners who can demonstrate that they operate ethically and in compliance with applicable labour and human rights laws. Our supplier expectations include paying fair wages, providing safe working conditions, prohibiting child labour, and ensuring that all work is freely chosen and non-exploitative.

Where appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk, we may conduct supplier audits or request evidence showing compliance, such as written policies, staff training records, or information on their own supply chains. We reserve the right to visit supplier premises, to request corrective action plans where issues are identified, and to monitor the implementation of those plans.

When onboarding new suppliers, we consider their track record on labour standards and ethical conduct. Suppliers that are unable or unwilling to meet our requirements will not be engaged.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Acton Carpet Cleaners encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chains. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, treatment of workers, or any behaviour that appears coercive, deceptive, or exploitative.

Individuals can raise concerns through established internal reporting channels, including direct reporting to line managers or senior management. Reports may be made in confidence and will be handled sensitively. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is later found to be unsubstantiated.

All reports of suspected modern slavery will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and, where appropriate, may be escalated to external authorities or result in corrective actions with the parties involved.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this statement and related procedures lies with the senior management of Acton Carpet Cleaners. Managers are expected to promote awareness of modern slavery risks and to lead by example in upholding our values.

Where relevant, staff are provided with guidance on recognising signs of modern slavery and understanding how to raise concerns. We strive to increase awareness among employees who are involved in purchasing, supplier management, or recruitment, as they are more likely to encounter potential risks.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process and that our approach must evolve over time. Acton Carpet Cleaners will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess the effectiveness of our actions and to identify areas for improvement. The review will consider any incidents raised, the outcomes of supplier assessments, changes in legislation, and evolving best practice.

Following each annual review, we may update our policies, strengthen supplier requirements, introduce additional training, or adjust our due diligence and audit processes. This statement represents our current commitment and will be updated as necessary to reflect our continued efforts to prevent modern slavery in our business and supply chains.