Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Barnes Carpet Cleaners with respect to our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and with integrity and to ensuring that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and child labour have no place in our activities or in those of our suppliers.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Barnes Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains primarily include providers of cleaning products, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment, office supplies and facilities services. While we consider our overall risk to be moderate due to the nature and size of our business, we recognise that modern slavery can occur in any sector and we therefore take active steps to identify and manage potential risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all members of staff, contractors, agency workers, and any third parties who act on our behalf. We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers and business partners and we will not knowingly engage or continue to work with any party that is involved in or turns a blind eye to modern slavery practices.

Our zero-tolerance stance means that any suspected breach will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and may lead to termination of contracts or business relationships, as well as reporting to the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We are committed to improving transparency in our supply chains. Before entering into new supplier relationships, we carry out proportionate due diligence to assess ethical, legal and labour practices. This may include requesting information on working conditions, recruitment practices, use of subcontractors and compliance with labour laws.

We conduct supplier audits, which may be desk-based reviews or on-site visits where appropriate and feasible. These audits aim to verify that suppliers uphold our standards, including the prohibition of forced, bonded or involuntary labour and the prohibition of human trafficking. Where risks are identified, we will work with suppliers on corrective action plans and monitor progress. If a supplier fails to demonstrate adequate remediation or is unwilling to improve, we will consider ending the business relationship.

Policies, Training and Employee Awareness

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies that cover ethical conduct, recruitment, treatment of staff and whistleblowing. Recruitment processes are designed to ensure that all employees work voluntarily, are of legal working age and receive clear information about their rights and working conditions.

We provide appropriate information and guidance to staff so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond to concerns. Managers and any staff involved in procurement or supplier management receive enhanced guidance on identifying and managing modern slavery risks within supply chains.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Barnes Carpet Cleaners encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest possible stage. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management or through our internal whistleblowing routes. Reports can be made confidentially and will be taken seriously and handled sensitively.

No individual will suffer any form of retaliation, victimisation or disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith, even if it is not subsequently substantiated. All credible reports will be assessed, investigated where appropriate and, where necessary, escalated to external authorities.

Monitoring, Accountability and Annual Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our measures through review of supplier assessments, audit findings, reported concerns and outcomes of any investigations. Lessons learned are used to strengthen our policies, training and supplier engagement.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective and aligned with legal requirements and good practice. Updates will reflect any changes in our business operations, risk profile or regulatory environment. Barnes Carpet Cleaners is dedicated to maintaining high ethical standards and expects everyone we work with to share this commitment.