Merton Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Merton Cleaners takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all our relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard workers from exploitation.

Our Organisation and Activities

Merton Cleaners provides professional cleaning services to commercial and residential customers. Our workforce includes directly employed staff and carefully selected subcontractors. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, facilities management services, and employment agencies supplying temporary labour.

We recognise that the cleaning and facilities sector can be exposed to higher risks of labour exploitation, particularly where flexible and low-paid work is involved. This awareness guides our continuous efforts to identify, prevent, and address any risk of modern slavery.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Merton Cleaners has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, subcontractors, directors, and suppliers. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

We expect all those who work for and with us to share this commitment. We clearly communicate our expectations to suppliers and partners, and we reserve the right to end relationships where our standards on labour rights and ethical conduct are not met.

Supplier Management and Audits

Our approach to supplier management is designed to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain. We conduct due diligence on new suppliers, including assessing their labour practices, working conditions, and compliance with relevant legislation. Where appropriate, we request evidence of their own modern slavery policies and procedures.

Merton Cleaners undertakes risk-based supplier audits to verify that our standards are being met. These may include site visits, document reviews, and conversations with workers. Any issues identified through audits must be addressed through corrective action plans within agreed timeframes. Failure to cooperate with audits or to remedy concerns can lead to suspension or termination of the supplier relationship.

Reporting Channels and Remediation

We encourage anyone connected to our business, including employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers, to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspected forced labour, harassment, unsafe conditions, withholding of documents, or any practice that undermines the dignity and rights of workers.

Merton Cleaners provides confidential internal reporting channels, allowing concerns to be raised without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. Where modern slavery is suspected or identified, we will take appropriate action, which may include involving relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals, and working with partners to put in place effective remediation measures.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this statement sits with the senior management team, who oversee risk assessment, policy implementation, and monitoring. Managers and supervisors receive guidance on recognising indicators of modern slavery and on handling concerns appropriately.

We aim to raise awareness among all employees of the signs of exploitation and their role in preventing it. This includes guidance during induction, ongoing communication about our zero-tolerance stance, and access to information about how to raise concerns.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Merton Cleaners is committed to continually improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence, and reporting processes, and we adjust them in response to changing risks, regulatory developments, and lessons learned from audits and investigations.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management. The review considers changes in our business activities, feedback from stakeholders, and the outcomes of our risk management activities. Updated versions of this statement are approved at a senior level and communicated within the business and to relevant external partners.

This statement reflects Merton Cleaners ongoing commitment to ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our operations or supply chains.