Cleaners Watford Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Cleaners Watford takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers who provide goods or services to Cleaners Watford.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Cleaners Watford has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any form of exploitation. We are committed to operating in an ethical, transparent manner and to upholding the human rights and dignity of every person who works for or with us.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting a culture where exploitation is not tolerated and where concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or business relationships, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Cleaners Watford provides professional cleaning services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chains include cleaning products, equipment, workwear, and subcontracted labour and services. We recognise that some parts of the cleaning and facilities management sectors may be at higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly where temporary, low-paid, or migrant labour is involved.

We therefore take steps to understand and manage these risks and to work only with suppliers and partners that share our commitment to ethical labour practices.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

Before engaging a new supplier or subcontractor, Cleaners Watford conducts proportionate due diligence to assess the risk of modern slavery. This may include requesting information on their labour practices, policies, and procedures, and seeking assurances that they comply with all relevant employment and human rights legislation.

We are committed to monitoring our suppliers on an ongoing basis. This includes periodic audits and reviews, which may involve site visits, document checks, worker interviews where appropriate, and verification of recruitment and payment practices. Any supplier found to be involved in modern slavery, or unwilling to take corrective action where concerns are identified, will have their contract reviewed and may have the relationship terminated.

Training and Awareness

Cleaners Watford aims to ensure that all relevant staff understand the risks of modern slavery and how to identify and report concerns. Managers, supervisors, and those involved in recruitment, procurement, or supplier management receive enhanced awareness and guidance on recognising signs of exploitation and applying our due diligence processes.

We encourage a culture of openness so that employees and workers feel able to raise concerns about malpractice or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Channels and Protection

Anyone working for or with Cleaners Watford is encouraged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through internal reporting channels made available to staff and contractors.

All reports will be treated seriously and, where possible, handled confidentially. We will investigate reported concerns promptly and take appropriate action, which may include working with external agencies. Cleaners Watford does not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Cleaners Watford is committed to continuously improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. We regularly review our risk assessments, due diligence procedures, and training needs to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to our operations.

This statement is reviewed at least once a year by the senior management team. The review considers any incidents reported, the outcomes of supplier audits, changes in legislation, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where necessary, we update our policies and practices to strengthen our safeguards against modern slavery and human trafficking.

This statement has been approved by the management of Cleaners Watford and represents our ongoing commitment to maintaining fair and ethical working practices across our business and supply chains.