Modern Slavery Statement

Paddington Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Paddington Carpet Cleaning in respect of the financial year ending and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and in compliance with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human rights.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Paddington Carpet Cleaning provides professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services. Our operations are primarily local, but our supply chain includes manufacturers and distributors of cleaning equipment, chemicals, uniforms, and other business services. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise at any stage of the supply chain, particularly where goods or services originate from sectors or regions with weaker labour protections.

We seek to work with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices, fair pay, and safe working conditions. Our procurement decisions take into account the standards and conduct of our suppliers, not purely cost and efficiency.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Paddington Carpet Cleaning maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, child labour, debt bondage, servitude, and human trafficking. We do not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices, and we will terminate business relationships where credible evidence of modern slavery is found and not promptly remediated.

All managers and team leaders are expected to promote ethical conduct and to challenge any practices that may be linked to exploitation, coercion, or abuse. Our commitment extends to ensuring that all workers, whether directly employed or engaged through third parties, are treated with dignity and respect.

Supplier Standards and Audit Measures

We expect our suppliers and contractors to uphold standards that are consistent with our own. As part of our supplier due diligence, we assess the risk profile of suppliers based on the nature of the goods and services they provide and the locations in which they operate.

Where we identify a higher risk of modern slavery, we may conduct additional checks or request evidence of policies and procedures that address labour rights and worker welfare. This may include questionnaires, declarations regarding compliance with modern slavery laws, or reviews of publicly available information.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of existing suppliers, either directly or through independent third parties, to verify compliance with our expectations. Where issues are identified, we will seek corrective action plans, monitor progress, and, where necessary, reconsider the relationship if improvements are not made within a reasonable timeframe.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Paddington Carpet Cleaning encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions related to modern slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chains. Reports may be made to line managers, senior management, or through existing internal reporting mechanisms.

We will take all reports seriously and investigate them promptly and sensitively. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will not suffer retaliation or detrimental treatment for doing so. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities and partner organisations to address confirmed instances of exploitation.

Training and Awareness

We recognise the importance of raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce. Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, are provided with information to help them identify warning signs of exploitation and understand how to escalate concerns.

We aim to reinforce this awareness through periodic updates and by integrating modern slavery considerations into our broader ethics and compliance training.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practices. As part of this review, we consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as any incidents or concerns raised during the year.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will refine our policies, due diligence processes, and training as our understanding of modern slavery risks develops. Our objective is to maintain robust safeguards that prevent exploitation and support the protection of human rights throughout our operations and supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the management of Paddington Carpet Cleaning and will be updated and published annually.