Modern Slavery Statement for Swiss Cottage Cleaners

Swiss Cottage Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, workers, contractors and suppliers engaged by Swiss Cottage Cleaners.

Our Approach and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any practice that involves forced, bonded or involuntary labour, child labour that contravenes applicable laws, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals, whether direct or indirect. This policy is endorsed by our senior management and embedded in our core values and business practices.

All managers are responsible for promoting awareness of modern slavery risks and ensuring that our zero-tolerance stance is communicated to their teams and to relevant third parties. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any supplier or contractor found to be involved in modern slavery practices may have their contracts reviewed or terminated.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Swiss Cottage Cleaners provides professional cleaning services across a range of residential and commercial settings. Our workforce includes directly employed staff and, where necessary, carefully selected subcontractors. Our supply chains primarily involve the sourcing of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms and associated services.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can arise at multiple points in these supply chains, particularly where products or services originate from regions or sectors with weaker labour protections. We therefore seek to work only with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices and robust human rights standards.

Supplier Standards and Audit Processes

Suppliers and contractors are expected to comply with all applicable labour, employment and human rights laws. We expect them to prohibit forced labour, to ensure that all work is voluntary, and to provide working conditions that are safe, fair and respectful. We require suppliers to confirm that they do not engage in, or knowingly support, modern slavery in any form.

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers, focusing on higher risk categories. This may include requesting written confirmations of compliance, reviewing relevant policies, and, where appropriate, carrying out audits or site visits. We reserve the right to verify supplier practices and to request corrective actions where areas of concern are identified.

Where audits reveal non-compliance or elevated risk, we will work with the supplier to implement remediation plans within a defined timeframe. If a supplier fails to address concerns satisfactorily, we will consider suspending or ending the business relationship.

Training, Awareness and Reporting Channels

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees to help them identify signs of modern slavery and understand the procedures for raising concerns. New managers and staff involved in procurement and recruitment receive enhanced guidance on assessing modern slavery risks and engaging responsibly with suppliers and workers.

All individuals working for or with Swiss Cottage Cleaners are encouraged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or via existing whistleblowing routes within the company. Reports may be made confidentially, and we do not tolerate any form of retaliation against those who raise concerns in good faith.

Every report is taken seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and sensitively. We will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities where there are indications of criminal activity or serious exploitation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continuously improving our policies, due diligence and monitoring activities. This includes reviewing our risk assessments, updating internal procedures and enhancing staff training as our business and the external environment evolve.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by senior management to assess its effectiveness and relevance. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the outcomes of supplier audits, reported concerns, remedial actions and any changes in legislation or best practice. Where necessary, we update our approach to strengthen our response to modern slavery risks.

By maintaining a robust zero-tolerance stance, engaging closely with our suppliers and providing clear reporting channels, Swiss Cottage Cleaners aims to play a meaningful role in preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our business.