Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Waterloo Carpet Cleaning

Waterloo Carpet Cleaning is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. We oppose all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and child labour. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent and address modern slavery risks within our operations and supply chains.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in any form. This applies to all areas of our business, including direct operations, subcontractors and supply chains. We expect everyone who works with or for Waterloo Carpet Cleaning to share this commitment.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting with integrity in all business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or supply chain.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Waterloo Carpet Cleaning provides professional carpet, upholstery and related cleaning services. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, machinery and equipment, uniforms, facilities services and other business support services.

We recognise that certain sectors and geographies may carry higher risks of modern slavery. We work to understand these risks and to focus our due diligence on suppliers and categories with an elevated risk profile, such as sourcing of textiles, chemicals and outsourced labour.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We are committed to working only with suppliers who uphold ethical labour practices and comply with all applicable employment and human rights laws. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management, we communicate our expectations regarding labour standards, fair wages, safe working conditions and prohibition of forced or child labour.

Where appropriate, we request information on supplier policies, workforce practices and sourcing arrangements. We reserve the right to refuse to work with any supplier unable or unwilling to demonstrate that they operate free from modern slavery and human trafficking.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance stance, we undertake proportionate audits and monitoring activities of selected suppliers. These may be conducted by internal staff or external specialists, depending on the level of risk and the nature of the relationship.

Audits may include review of employment records, verification of age and right-to-work documentation, assessment of working hours and conditions, and discussions with workers where appropriate. Where concerns are identified, we engage with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timelines. Serious or unremedied breaches may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspected forced labour, trafficking, exploitation, unsafe working conditions or any behaviour inconsistent with this Statement.

Reports can be made through established internal reporting channels, including raising issues with management, human resources or other designated contacts. We will handle all reports sensitively, treat information as confidential as far as possible, and protect anyone who raises a concern in good faith from retaliation or detrimental treatment.

Training and Awareness

We promote awareness of modern slavery risks among relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management and recruitment. Training focuses on recognising warning signs, understanding our policies and knowing how to escalate concerns.

We also seek to build understanding with key suppliers by communicating our expectations and encouraging them to adopt similar standards and procedures within their own organisations and supply chains.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Waterloo Carpet Cleaning is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to preventing modern slavery. We regularly review our policies, due diligence processes and supplier management practices in light of evolving legislation, guidance and industry good practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to assess the effectiveness of our measures, to reflect any organisational changes and to identify opportunities for strengthening our approach. Updated versions of this Statement will be made available to stakeholders.

By maintaining robust standards, transparent reporting channels and regular review, Waterloo Carpet Cleaning aims to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business or supply chains.