Modern Slavery Statement for Cleaners Barnet
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Cleaners Barnet is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to identify and tackle any risk of exploitation.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Cleaners Barnet has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our cleaning services, from recruitment and employment practices to the way we purchase products, equipment, and services. No form of exploitation is acceptable under any circumstances, and any suspected breach is treated as a serious matter that may result in termination of contracts or other decisive action.
All staff, managers, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy and to work proactively to prevent situations that could enable abuse or coercion. We recognise that cleaning and facilities services can be vulnerable sectors, and we therefore take particular care to ensure that workers are treated fairly, paid lawfully, and employed voluntarily.
Our Workforce and Employment Practices
We aim to create a safe, respectful, and transparent working environment for everyone engaged by Cleaners Barnet. We only work with recruitment sources that demonstrate responsible labour practices and we require evidence that workers are employed of their own free will.
Our employment procedures include verification of identity and right to work, fair and lawful pay arrangements, clear written terms and conditions, and accessible information about working hours, breaks, and overtime. We do not tolerate the retention of passports, identity documents, or wages as a means of control. Any reports of intimidation, threats, or unfair deductions are investigated promptly and addressed without delay.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Our commitment to combating modern slavery extends throughout our supply chains. We expect all suppliers of cleaning products, equipment, and contracted services to share our values and comply with applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our supplier onboarding process, we conduct due diligence to assess ethical standards, including labour conditions and governance.
We reserve the right to carry out audits on existing and prospective suppliers to verify compliance with our modern slavery requirements. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and workers to gain assurance that no forced, bonded, or trafficked labour is present. Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier on corrective action plans and, if issues are not resolved in a satisfactory manner, we may suspend or end the business relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
Cleaners Barnet provides guidance to managers and relevant staff to help them recognise signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond. We promote awareness of common indicators, such as control of personal documents, restricted freedom of movement, or signs of coercion and exploitation in working or living conditions.
We encourage anyone associated with Cleaners Barnet, including employees, agency workers, and suppliers, to raise concerns about potential modern slavery risks or incidents. Concerns can be reported to line managers or senior management in confidence. Reports are handled sensitively, and we do not tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith. Where appropriate, we will engage with external authorities or specialist organisations to support investigations and protect affected individuals.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Our approach to tackling modern slavery is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. Each year, senior management reviews our policies, risk assessments, supplier performance, and any reported concerns or incidents. The outcomes of this review inform updates to our procedures, training materials, and supplier expectations.
This Modern Slavery Statement is approved by the leadership of Cleaners Barnet and will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, or sooner if there are significant changes to our business operations or relevant legislation. We remain committed to improving our practices and working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and partners to help eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.