Sutton Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

Sutton Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that the cleaning sector can involve multiple subcontractors, agency workers, and outsourced services, which may increase vulnerability if standards are not actively managed. For that reason, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery.

Our approach applies to all parts of Sutton Cleaners, including recruitment, procurement, site operations, and supplier management. We expect every employee, contractor, and supplier to uphold the same ethical principles. We also require the use of lawful employment practices, fair wages where applicable, proper working hours, and clear contractual arrangements. This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible business practice and continuous improvement in safeguarding workers.

We understand that modern slavery can be hidden and difficult to detect. Therefore, Sutton Cleaners uses a risk-based framework to identify areas of concern across our business. Higher-risk areas may include labour sourcing, temporary staffing, cleaning materials procurement, and the use of subcontracted services. By applying due diligence, we aim to reduce risk before it becomes harm. Our modern slavery controls are reviewed regularly and strengthened as needed.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

Supplier management is central to our anti-slavery programme. We conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate labour practices, right-to-work checks, wage records, and working conditions. Where appropriate, audits may include document reviews, site visits, and discussions with management to confirm compliance with our standards. We also expect suppliers to demonstrate traceability in their own supply chains and to cooperate fully with any checks or follow-up actions.

In procurement decisions, Sutton Cleaners considers ethical performance alongside service quality and value. Suppliers are asked to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour, and that they have suitable controls in place to detect abuse. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations, we may require corrective action, suspend orders, or end the relationship. This firm approach reinforces our cleaning company modern slavery policy and supports accountable sourcing.

We also provide internal guidance so managers can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withholding of identity documents, unusual dependency on an employer, or signs of intimidation. Where risks are identified, we investigate promptly and escalate them according to our procedures. Our anti-slavery safeguards are designed not only to identify non-compliance but also to protect vulnerable workers and encourage responsible conduct across the supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Employees, agency workers, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery without delay. Sutton Cleaners maintains multiple reporting channels so concerns can be raised safely and in confidence through line management, senior management, or a designated internal reporting route. Reports may be made anonymously where permitted, and all concerns are treated seriously. No person will suffer retaliation for speaking up in good faith.

Where a report is received, we investigate promptly, protect confidentiality, and take proportionate action based on the findings. If necessary, we may contact external authorities or specialist organisations to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately. Our reporting process is supported by training, which helps staff understand what to look for and how to respond. This helps embed a culture of vigilance across Sutton Cleaners and reinforces the message that exploitation has no place in our business.

We also require managers to escalate any issue involving recruitment fees, coercive supervision, document retention, or signs that a worker may not be free to leave employment. In addition, contractors are reminded that any attempt to conceal poor labour practices will be treated as a serious breach. These measures strengthen our modern slavery controls and help maintain ethical standards throughout day-to-day operations.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

Sutton Cleaners reviews this statement annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and operational realities. The annual review considers audit outcomes, reported concerns, training completion, supplier performance, and changes in risk profile. Any lessons learned are used to improve procedures, update policies, and strengthen oversight across the business.

As part of this process, we assess whether further training, deeper supplier due diligence, or additional verification steps are required. We also review the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention measures and benchmark our approach against good practice where appropriate. By taking an active and measured approach, we aim to ensure that Sutton Cleaners continues to operate responsibly and transparently.

This statement demonstrates our ongoing resolve to uphold human dignity and lawful working conditions in every area of our business. Through a zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and annual review, Sutton Cleaners seeks to prevent exploitation and support a fairer supply chain. We remain committed to strengthening our ethical cleaning standards and maintaining the trust placed in us by clients, workers, and partners.