Modern Slavery Statement for The Hyde Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by The Hyde Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious global crime that violates fundamental human rights, and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.

The Hyde Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial clients. While we operate within a relatively low-risk sector, we acknowledge that risks can exist in areas such as outsourced labour, equipment supply, cleaning materials manufacturing, logistics, and ancillary services. Our approach is to proactively identify, assess, and address these risks on an ongoing basis.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

The Hyde Carpet Cleaners has a clear and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any form of servitude or exploitation. This applies to our own operations, our direct and indirect supply chains, and any third parties acting on our behalf.

All directors, managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy. We will not knowingly engage with or continue to work with any individual, company, or organisation that is involved in or complicit with modern slavery or human trafficking. Where credible concerns are identified, we will take prompt and decisive action, which may include suspending relationships, terminating contracts, or reporting concerns to relevant authorities.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who share our values and demonstrate a commitment to human rights and fair working practices. As part of our due diligence, we assess the risk of modern slavery within our supply chain, focusing on higher-risk categories such as overseas manufacturing, low-skilled labour, and outsourced services.

Before engaging new suppliers, we conduct checks designed to understand their labour practices, employment conditions, and approach to worker protection. We may request information on recruitment processes, use of labour agencies, subcontracting, and worker welfare. We expect suppliers to be transparent and cooperative in providing this information.

The Hyde Carpet Cleaners carries out periodic supplier audits, which may be conducted remotely or on site depending on the level of risk identified. These audits may cover working hours, wages, employment contracts, freedom of movement, grievance mechanisms, and evidence of any fees paid by workers to secure employment. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we expect timely corrective actions and may monitor progress through follow-up reviews.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone who works for or with The Hyde Carpet Cleaners, or who is otherwise connected to our operations, to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. No concern is too small, and we are committed to treating all reports seriously and sensitively.

Employees are encouraged to raise concerns with their line manager or a senior manager in the first instance. If an individual feels unable to raise an issue through these channels, they may escalate concerns directly to a member of the senior leadership team. We will investigate all reports promptly and, where appropriate, take action to address verified issues and protect potentially affected individuals.

The Hyde Carpet Cleaners is committed to ensuring that no person who raises a concern in good faith suffers any form of retaliation, disadvantage, or discrimination as a result of speaking up. We promote a culture of openness in which people feel safe to report suspected wrongdoing.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide information and guidance to managers and relevant staff so they can recognise signs of modern slavery, understand our policy, and know how to respond to concerns. As our business evolves, we will review and enhance our training and awareness initiatives to reflect emerging risks and good practice.

We also expect our key suppliers to cascade similar awareness and standards throughout their own supply chains. Over time, we aim to deepen collaboration with suppliers to strengthen responsible sourcing, fair treatment of workers, and transparent labour practices.

Monitoring and Annual Review

The Hyde Carpet Cleaners monitors the effectiveness of our approach through regular internal reviews of incidents reported, supplier audit outcomes, and feedback from staff and stakeholders. Where weaknesses or gaps are identified, we update our policies, procedures, and controls accordingly.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis, or more frequently if required by changes to legislation, our operations, or our risk assessment. The review is overseen and approved by the senior leadership of The Hyde Carpet Cleaners, who retain overall responsibility for ensuring our compliance with modern slavery legislation and for driving continual improvement.

By publishing this statement, The Hyde Carpet Cleaners reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business and to working with our suppliers, employees, and partners to uphold the dignity and rights of every worker in our sphere of influence.