Modern Slavery Statement for Hornsey Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Hornsey Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implement systems and controls that seek to ensure slavery and human trafficking are not taking place anywhere in our organisation or in the supply chains that support our services.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Hornsey Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations are primarily local and regional, supported by a supply chain that includes suppliers of cleaning equipment, chemicals, vehicles, workwear, and facilities services. While our business is relatively small, we acknowledge that modern slavery risks can exist in any supply chain, particularly where products or components originate from higher risk sectors or countries.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, and human trafficking. This commitment applies to every aspect of our activities, including the employment of our staff, the engagement of contractors, and the selection and management of suppliers. We expect the same high standards from all individuals and organisations we work with and will not knowingly do business with anyone who does not share this commitment.

Our zero-tolerance stance means that any suspected breach related to modern slavery will be treated as a serious matter and may lead to the termination of commercial relationships or employment, where appropriate and lawful. We are committed to taking proportionate and decisive action whenever concerns are raised.

Policies and Employee Awareness

Our internal policies are designed to promote fair and lawful treatment of all workers and to minimise the risk of exploitation. These include procedures on recruitment, right-to-work checks, equality, health and safety, and the fair treatment of staff and contractors. We aim to make all employees aware of the signs of modern slavery and the importance of reporting concerns, emphasising that everyone has a role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

New starters are made aware of our ethical expectations and are encouraged to speak up if they observe anything that may suggest exploitation, coercion, or unsafe working practices in any part of our operations.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect our suppliers to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations relating to employment, labour, and human rights. When selecting and reviewing suppliers, we consider their approach to ethical sourcing, labour practices, and transparency. We seek to work with suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to preventing modern slavery in their own operations and supply chains.

Hornsey Carpet Cleaners conducts proportionate checks and audits on key suppliers, particularly where there may be a higher risk of labour exploitation. These audits may include reviewing publicly available information, requesting details of their policies and due diligence measures, and, where appropriate, holding discussions about how they manage modern slavery risks. Where areas of concern are identified, we will work with suppliers to improve standards or, if necessary, reconsider the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Protection

We encourage all employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chain. Concerns can be reported through internal management channels or directly to senior management. We are committed to treating all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.

Hornsey Carpet Cleaners will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Our approach is to listen, investigate appropriately, and take proportionate action, which may include referring matters to relevant authorities where there is a reasonable belief that modern slavery may be taking place.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Hornsey Carpet Cleaners is committed to reviewing and enhancing our controls, training, and supplier engagement to strengthen our ability to identify and address modern slavery risks.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with best practice and any changes in legislation. As part of this review, we will consider feedback from staff, outcomes of supplier audits, and any issues or concerns raised during the year. Updated versions of this statement will reflect any new measures or commitments we adopt to improve our approach.

This statement has been approved by the management of Hornsey Carpet Cleaners, who take overall responsibility for its implementation and for ensuring that our stance on modern slavery is embedded throughout the organisation.