Modern Slavery Statement for Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners

Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners is committed to operating as a responsible and ethical business. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors and suppliers engaged by our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour and exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with, support or benefit from any organisation or individual involved in such practices. Any suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious misconduct issue and may result in termination of employment or business relationships.

We expect everyone who works with or for Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners to share our commitment. All managers are responsible for promoting an ethical culture in which exploitative practices are never accepted, ignored or concealed. This responsibility extends to the way we procure products and services, the way we manage our workforce and the way we interact with our wider community.

Our Operations and Workforce

Our services primarily involve the provision of carpet and upholstery cleaning. While the inherent risk of modern slavery in our direct operations is considered low, we acknowledge that risk can exist in any sector. We therefore insist on fair recruitment practices, lawful working hours, appropriate right to work checks and payment of at least the applicable minimum wage or above for all members of our workforce.

We aim to provide a safe working environment, open communication and clear documentation of employment terms so that no one who works for Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners is placed in a situation of coercion or dependency inconsistent with their fundamental rights.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our supply chain includes suppliers of cleaning products, machinery, protective equipment and other business services. We require our suppliers to comply with all relevant labour, human rights and health and safety laws. We are progressively integrating modern slavery clauses into our supplier terms and conditions, making it clear that we will not tolerate exploitation within their operations or supply chains.

We conduct proportionate checks and audits of key suppliers, focusing on areas where the risk of labour abuses may be higher, such as manufacturing, distribution and outsourced services. These audits may include questionnaires, requests for supporting documentation and, where appropriate, on-site visits. Where non-compliance is identified, we expect timely corrective actions. We reserve the right to suspend or end relationships with suppliers that fail to address concerns or demonstrate adequate improvement.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Everyone working for or with Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners is encouraged to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour. Concerns may relate to our own operations, our suppliers or any third parties connected to our business.

Reports can be made to a line manager or a senior manager within the business. Individuals may raise issues anonymously if they prefer. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and treated with appropriate sensitivity. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated after investigation.

Training and Awareness

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and managers, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management. This includes communicating our policies, outlining the signs of exploitation and clarifying how to report suspicions. By building awareness, we aim to ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed at an early stage.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement rests with the senior management of Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners. They are responsible for ensuring that the commitments described are implemented, monitored and reinforced across the business. We keep our approach under review, taking into account changes in legislation, guidance, best practice and the structure of our supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to assess its effectiveness and to identify opportunities for improvement. Any significant changes to our operations, supply chains or risk profile may trigger an earlier review. Updated versions of this statement will supersede previous versions and will reflect the steps we continue to take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in every aspect of our activities.