Modern Slavery Statement for Barnes Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Barnes Carpet Cleaners has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business operations or our supply chains. Barnes Carpet Cleaners is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, and to implementing and enforcing systems and controls that seek to ensure slavery and human trafficking are not taking place anywhere in our organisation.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Barnes Carpet Cleaners maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We do not accept, permit, or condone any practice that exploits individuals, denies them their basic human rights, or restricts their freedom of movement or ability to leave employment. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agents, and suppliers associated with our business.

We communicate this position clearly to our staff during induction and through ongoing training. All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting awareness of this policy, ensuring that it is understood and upheld across their teams, and reporting any potential concerns in line with our reporting channels.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Expectations

Our supply chains include providers of cleaning equipment, chemicals, consumables, uniforms, transport, and various professional services. We expect all suppliers to comply with relevant legislation relating to employment, health and safety, and human rights, and to align with our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.

Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or involuntary labour and that they have measures in place to prevent modern slavery within their own operations and supply chains. We reserve the right to terminate our relationship with any supplier that fails to meet these standards or demonstrates unwillingness to improve practices where concerns are identified.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Barnes Carpet Cleaners conducts risk-based due diligence and supplier audits to help identify, prevent, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery. New suppliers are assessed before engagement, taking into account factors such as sector, location, and known risk indicators. Existing suppliers are subject to ongoing review where appropriate.

Our audits and assessments may include requests for supporting documentation, confirmation of labour practices, and evidence of policies and procedures addressing modern slavery. Where we identify potential areas of concern, we work with suppliers to develop improvement plans with clear timeframes. Failure to demonstrate meaningful progress or cooperation can result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Barnes Carpet Cleaners actively encourages the reporting of any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains. Employees, contractors, and other stakeholders are encouraged to raise concerns with their line manager or a senior manager, in person or in writing.

We support a culture where individuals can speak up without fear of reprisal. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will take corrective and remedial action, which may include engaging with authorities, adjusting supplier relationships, or strengthening internal policies and training.

Training and Awareness

To ensure our policy is understood and effectively implemented, we provide training and guidance on modern slavery issues to relevant employees, especially those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training covers the types of exploitation that can occur, common warning signs, and the steps to take when concerns are identified.

We also work to build awareness among all staff that modern slavery can exist in many forms and in any country, and that everyone has a responsibility to remain vigilant and report suspected abuses.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review

Barnes Carpet Cleaners regularly monitors the effectiveness of our measures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. Senior management is responsible for reviewing our policies, training, and supplier management processes to ensure they remain appropriate and robust.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to reflect any changes in legislation, our business activities, risk assessments, or best practice guidance. Any necessary updates are incorporated into our internal procedures and communicated to employees and relevant suppliers. Through continued vigilance, improvement, and engagement, Barnes Carpet Cleaners seeks to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and to contribute to the global effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.