Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for Cleaners Barnet
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Cleaners Barnet to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. As a cleaning services provider, we recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards, protect workers, and respect human rights in every aspect of our business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Cleaners Barnet has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This applies to our own employees, to agency workers, and to all individuals employed or engaged by our suppliers and subcontractors. We will not knowingly conduct business with any organisation or individual involved in modern slavery or any related human rights abuses.
All managers are required to promote this policy and to act promptly if any concerns are raised. Where modern slavery is identified or suspected, we are committed to taking decisive action, which may include terminating commercial relationships and reporting concerns to the relevant authorities.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Cleaners Barnet provides professional cleaning services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, workwear, facilities management services, and labour agencies. We recognise that some parts of the cleaning and facilities sector may be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly where low-paid or temporary labour is used.
We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We conduct due diligence on new suppliers and periodically review existing suppliers to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain. Our approach includes:
Requiring suppliers to confirm that they comply with modern slavery and human trafficking legislation and that they do not engage in forced, bonded, or involuntary labour.
Assessing supplier practices in areas such as recruitment, working hours, pay, and freedom of movement, where appropriate to the size and risk profile of the supplier.
Including contractual provisions that require suppliers to uphold our ethical standards and to cascade similar expectations to their own supply chains.
Carrying out risk-based audits of selected suppliers. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and interviews with workers to verify labour practices. Where non-compliance or concerning practices are identified, we expect prompt remediation and may suspend or end relationships if corrective actions are not taken.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they suspect any form of modern slavery or unethical labour practice connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns may relate to recruitment, working conditions, document retention, threats, or any indication of forced or coerced labour.
Cleaners Barnet provides internal reporting channels through line managers and senior management. Individuals can raise concerns in confidence and without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly. Where necessary, appropriate safeguarding steps and external notifications will be made.
We also expect our suppliers to establish their own mechanisms that allow workers to report concerns safely and to cooperate fully with any investigations led by Cleaners Barnet or relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
Relevant managers and team leaders receive guidance on recognising signs of modern slavery and on the procedures for escalating concerns. We aim to increase general awareness across our workforce so that everyone understands their role in identifying and preventing exploitation. Training content is kept under review and updated to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and risk assessments.
Governance and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery approach rests with the senior management of Cleaners Barnet. They review internal controls, supplier performance, and any reported concerns related to labour exploitation.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and good practice. The review considers our risk profile, audit findings, feedback from workers and suppliers, and any incidents or concerns raised. Where improvements are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and contracts accordingly.
By continuing to develop and strengthen our approach, Cleaners Barnet is committed to playing its part in preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of everyone involved in our services.
