Modern Slavery Statement for Merton Cleaners
Merton Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. As a responsible cleaning service, we recognise that even low-risk industries must remain vigilant, because ethical standards are essential to every part of our work. Our position is clear: zero tolerance for any form of modern slavery.
We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to uphold the same values. Our approach to slavery prevention is embedded in recruitment, procurement, and daily management practices. We ensure that work is voluntary, lawful, and carried out under fair conditions. No one working with or for Merton Cleaners should be subjected to coercion, intimidation, debt bondage, withholding of wages, or any other abusive practice. This commitment is reviewed and reinforced through training, policy updates, and oversight by senior management.
A key part of our modern slavery policy is supplier due diligence. Before entering into new arrangements, we assess suppliers based on their labour practices, compliance history, and willingness to meet our ethical standards. Existing suppliers may also be subject to periodic audits, document checks, and risk-based reviews. These supplier audits help us identify concerns early and support corrective action where needed. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we may suspend or end the relationship. We also encourage suppliers to carry these expectations through their own networks, strengthening responsible practices across the chain.
Our Commitments and Controls
To reduce the risk of exploitation, Merton Cleaners applies proportionate controls across its operations. We verify right-to-work documentation, monitor working hours, and ensure that pay arrangements are transparent and lawful. Where agency labour or subcontracted services are used, additional checks are carried out to confirm that workers are treated fairly and are not being controlled through threats, deceptive recruitment fees, or unsafe conditions. Modern slavery awareness is also included in staff induction and refresher training, helping our teams recognise warning signs and respond appropriately.
Reporting channels are central to our safeguarding approach. We provide ways for workers, suppliers, and others to raise concerns in good faith about suspected abuse, unethical conduct, or breaches of policy. Reports may be made through line management, senior leadership, or other internal reporting routes, and all concerns are handled sensitively and without retaliation. Our aim is to create a culture where speaking up is supported and where any allegation of modern slavery is treated as urgent, credible, and worthy of immediate review. We investigate concerns promptly and take appropriate corrective action, which may include remediation, escalation, or referral to the relevant authorities.
We recognise that a modern slavery statement must be practical, not symbolic. For that reason, our controls are designed to operate throughout the year rather than at a single point in time. Risk indicators are considered during contract setup, supplier renewal, and operational reviews. If a concern is identified, we may increase monitoring, request further evidence of compliance, or carry out additional site or paper-based checks. This ongoing vigilance supports our wider commitment to ethical cleaning services and responsible business conduct.
Review, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement
Merton Cleaners will conduct an annual review of this statement and the measures that support it. The review considers any incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, training activity, and changes in legislation or best practice. Where improvements are needed, we will update our controls and refine our procedures to ensure they remain effective and proportionate. Senior management is responsible for overseeing this process and for promoting a culture of accountability across the organisation.
Our Ongoing Responsibility
This modern slavery statement reflects our current position and our continuing responsibility to protect the dignity and rights of every person connected with Merton Cleaners. We will continue to strengthen our safeguards, maintain strict supplier standards, and encourage open reporting so concerns can be addressed early. By staying alert, proactive, and consistent, we aim to help prevent exploitation and uphold the highest ethical standards in all that we do.