Modern Slavery Statement for Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners

Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners is committed to operating with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights across every part of our business. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that carpet cleaning services depend on a network of suppliers, contractors, and support partners, and we take our responsibility seriously.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all forms of modern slavery. We do not accept practices that involve coercion, debt bondage, involuntary labour, child labour, or deceptive recruitment. Every worker engaged by Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners must be treated with dignity, paid appropriately, and allowed to work voluntarily. We expect the same standards from everyone we work with.

We embed these principles in our internal policies, recruitment checks, and supplier agreements. By maintaining clear rules and regular oversight, Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners modern slavery statement commitments are made practical, measurable, and enforceable.

Supplier due diligence is a central part of our approach. Before engaging a new supplier, we assess the nature of their business, their labour practices, and any known risks associated with the sector or region. We reserve the right to request evidence of ethical employment practices, including worker age verification, payroll records, and compliance certifications.

Existing suppliers are also subject to ongoing monitoring. Where risk is identified, we carry out supplier audits that may include document checks, site visits, and management interviews. These reviews help us identify warning signs such as withheld wages, excessive working hours, or restricted freedom of movement. If concerns arise, we require corrective action and may suspend or terminate the relationship if improvements are not made.

Our procurement team is trained to recognise indicators of exploitation and to escalate concerns promptly. This means the Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners modern slavery policy is not a one-time declaration, but part of daily business practice.

We also provide clear reporting channels so that employees, contractors, and suppliers can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Concerns may be reported through internal management routes or via designated safeguarding processes. Any report is handled confidentially and investigated promptly, with appropriate action taken where needed.

Retaliation is strictly prohibited. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported, and allegations will be treated seriously whether they relate to our own workforce or to a supplier’s labour practices. This helps ensure that our anti-slavery controls remain open, accessible, and effective.

Where a potential breach is confirmed, we may work with the relevant party to address the issue, improve conditions, or implement stronger controls. If the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level, we will end the relationship.

To strengthen accountability, we assign responsibility for modern slavery compliance to senior management. This ensures that modern slavery risks are reviewed at a leadership level and that our response is consistent across the business. Staff involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract management receive guidance to help them spot red flags and act quickly.

We also recognise that training and awareness are essential. Employees are reminded to look out for signs such as identity document retention, unusual dependence on a third party, or reluctance by workers to speak freely. These indicators do not automatically confirm abuse, but they require careful investigation and a cautious response.

By keeping awareness high, the Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners modern slavery statement supports a culture in which exploitation is less likely to go unnoticed.

This statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, relevant, and effective. The annual review will consider changes in legislation, business structure, supplier risk, and the results of any audits or investigations. Where improvements are identified, we will update our procedures and strengthen our controls accordingly.

Our aim is continuous improvement. We understand that preventing modern slavery requires vigilance, transparency, and practical action. Through ongoing review, supplier oversight, and clear reporting, Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners works to uphold ethical standards throughout its operations.

Shacklewell Carpet Cleaners will continue to take a proactive stance against exploitation and abuse. Our zero-tolerance approach, combined with supplier audits, robust reporting channels, and annual review, demonstrates our commitment to responsible business conduct and the protection of human rights.