Watford Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Watford Cleaners in accordance with applicable modern slavery and human trafficking legislation. It sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.
Our Business and Values
Watford Cleaners provides professional cleaning services to commercial and residential clients. We recognise that our activities and procurement of goods and services can impact workers both in the United Kingdom and overseas. We are committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and with respect for human rights.
We believe all workers must be treated with dignity and respect. We expect the same high standards from all our employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour that is exploitative or unlawful, human trafficking, and any practice that deprives individuals of their freedom or fair remuneration.
No form of modern slavery is acceptable in our business or supply chains. Any breach of this policy may result in the termination of employment or business relationships, as appropriate, and may be reported to the relevant authorities where required.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, facilities, and support services. We are committed to working only with suppliers who uphold legal and ethical labour standards.
We communicate our zero-tolerance approach and our expectations regarding labour practices to all key suppliers. We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws in the countries in which they operate and to ensure that they do not use forced, trafficked, or illegal child labour.
Where proportionate to the risk and scale of engagement, we may request information from suppliers regarding their own modern slavery policies, due diligence practices, and workforce conditions. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits or assessments, which may include document reviews, site visits, and discussions with management and, where appropriate, workers.
Suppliers that fail to meet our standards, or that are unwilling to address concerns that arise from audits or assessments, may have their contracts reviewed or terminated.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We review the nature of our services and procurement activities to identify areas where the risk of modern slavery may be higher, such as in the sourcing of certain products or in the use of subcontracted labour. We focus our due diligence and monitoring efforts on these higher-risk areas.
Before entering into new supplier relationships, we consider the supplier's location, industry, and track record on labour practices. We may seek confirmation that the supplier has appropriate policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery and that it holds its own suppliers to similar standards.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, suppliers, contractors, and other business partners to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains.
Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including direct reporting to line managers or senior management. We also support the use of independent whistleblowing routes that may be available under local laws and industry arrangements.
Reports will be treated seriously and, so far as reasonably possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be considered and investigated appropriately, and corrective action will be taken where necessary.
Training and Awareness
We aim to raise awareness among relevant employees about the risks of modern slavery and how to identify and report concerns. Training may include information about common signs of exploitation, our internal reporting channels, and our expectations of suppliers.
Managers involved in procurement, supplier management, or workforce supervision may receive additional guidance on assessing modern slavery risks and engaging with suppliers on ethical labour standards.
Monitoring and Annual Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. We will monitor the effectiveness of the steps described in this Statement and seek opportunities to enhance our processes and controls.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated where necessary to reflect changes in our business operations, supply chains, legal requirements, or best practice guidance. Any material changes will be communicated internally and to relevant external stakeholders.
This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Watford Cleaners and represents our ongoing commitment to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.
