Modern Slavery Statement for Lee Carpet Cleaners

Lee Carpet 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 modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and exploitation within our business and supply chain. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms and in many industries, and we remain alert to the risks that may arise in our operations, procurement activities, and contractor relationships.

Our zero-tolerance policy is central to how we operate. We do not accept any form of coercion, exploitation, debt bondage, or unlawful labour practices. We expect every employee, supervisor, contractor, and supplier to share this commitment. Any breach of this policy may result in immediate action, including termination of business relationships, where appropriate. We also require all managers to uphold ethical labour standards and to act promptly if concerns are identified.

To reduce risk, Lee Carpet Cleaners uses a proportionate due diligence process when selecting and monitoring suppliers. We assess suppliers based on their labour practices, recruitment methods, business reputation, and willingness to comply with our standards. Where the level of risk is higher, we carry out enhanced checks and request evidence of controls, such as worker age verification, wage records, and lawful working arrangements.

Supply Chain Oversight and Accountability

Our supplier audits are an important part of our approach to tackling modern slavery in the carpet cleaning industry and beyond. These audits may include document reviews, site visits, and discussions with management regarding employment conditions. We look for signs of unsafe recruitment, withheld wages, excessive working hours, or restricted freedom of movement. If weaknesses are identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective actions within agreed timeframes. Where improvement is not achieved, we may suspend or end the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Lee Carpet Cleaners encourages a culture in which concerns can be raised early and without fear of retaliation. Employees and workers may report concerns through internal management channels, to nominated supervisors, or through confidential reporting routes. Reports can relate to suspected exploitation, unsafe labour arrangements, unethical conduct, or any issue that may indicate modern slavery risk. All concerns are taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and handled with discretion. We do not tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith.

We also expect our suppliers and contractors to maintain their own accessible reporting channels so that workers can raise issues directly. When concerns are communicated to us, we review them promptly, assess the risk to affected individuals, and take suitable remedial steps. This may include contacting the supplier, requesting evidence, escalating to senior management, or engaging external support where necessary. Our aim is to protect people first and ensure that any suspected abuse is addressed quickly and responsibly.

Training and awareness are key to prevention. Relevant staff receive guidance on recognising warning signs of exploitation, understanding procurement risks, and applying our ethical standards consistently. This supports a stronger culture of vigilance and helps staff identify concerns before they develop into serious harm. We continually reinforce the message that fair treatment, lawful employment, and dignity at work are non-negotiable values across Lee Carpet Cleaners.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This modern slavery statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legal and ethical expectations. The review considers supplier performance, audit findings, reported concerns, training activity, and any changes in business operations or risk exposure. Where needed, we strengthen controls, update procedures, and refine our supplier standards. Annual review allows Lee Carpet Cleaners to improve continuously and respond to emerging risks with greater confidence.

Through our modern slavery statement, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review process, Lee Carpet Cleaners reaffirms its commitment to operating responsibly and ethically. We believe that every person involved in our business and supply chain deserves to work freely, safely, and with dignity. Our approach reflects a clear expectation that modern slavery has no place in our organisation or in the services we support.