Barnes Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

Barnes Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and accountability. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward all practices that violate human rights or undermine fair working conditions.

As a responsible cleaning services provider, Barnes Cleaners recognises that risks can exist in staffing, procurement, and outsourced services. We therefore apply due diligence across our business to identify, prevent, and address any potential modern slavery risks. Our approach is based on transparency, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

We expect all employees, contractors, and business partners to uphold the same standards. Through clear controls, training, and monitoring, the Barnes Cleaners modern slavery policy supports our commitment to lawful, fair, and safe employment practices.

Our Commitment and Governance

Senior management holds responsibility for overseeing our anti-slavery programme. This includes reviewing risk, setting expectations, and ensuring that any concerns are acted upon promptly. The cleaning company slavery statement is embedded within our wider compliance framework and is communicated to relevant stakeholders.

We do not tolerate recruitment fees, withheld identity documents, debt bondage, intimidation, or any form of coercion. Where concerns arise, we investigate them seriously and take appropriate action, which may include suspending engagement, reporting to authorities, or terminating business relationships if necessary.

Our internal policies reinforce ethical hiring, fair pay, working hours compliance, and respect for worker welfare. We also require managers to remain alert to warning signs such as restricted movement, unsafe accommodation, or unexplained dependence on third parties.

Supplier Audits and Supply Chain Due Diligence

Barnes Cleaners works with suppliers and service providers that may include recruitment agencies, uniform suppliers, equipment vendors, and subcontracted labour providers. We assess new suppliers using proportionate due diligence, with attention to geography, labour model, and sector-specific risks. Higher-risk relationships may require additional checks before approval.

Supplier audits are a key part of our ethical sourcing process. These audits may include document reviews, worker interviews, site inspections, and verification of labour practices. We look for evidence of lawful employment, freedom of movement, age verification, and compliance with wage and hour requirements.

Where an audit identifies shortcomings, we expect a corrective action plan with clear deadlines. If a supplier fails to improve or is found to be involved in exploitation, we will take decisive steps to end the relationship. This ensures that the Barnes Cleaners anti-slavery statement remains meaningful in practice, not just in principle.

Reporting Channels and Safeguards

Raising Concerns

We encourage employees and third parties to report concerns at the earliest opportunity. Reports may relate to suspected forced labour, unsafe practices, unethical recruitment, or any behaviour inconsistent with our standards. Concerns can be raised through internal managers, compliance leads, or established whistleblowing routes.

All reports are treated seriously and handled with discretion. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. This protection is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring that the Barnes Cleaners modern slavery commitment can operate effectively across the business.

When a concern is raised, we assess the risk, gather relevant information, and determine the appropriate response. If immediate harm is suspected, urgent safeguarding measures are taken. We also work to support affected individuals where possible, recognising that victims may need careful, respectful intervention.

Training, Monitoring, and Annual Review

Our managers and relevant staff receive guidance on identifying modern slavery indicators and understanding reporting responsibilities. Training is refreshed periodically so that awareness remains current. This helps strengthen our modern slavery controls and promotes consistent decision-making.

We monitor our approach through supplier reviews, incident tracking, policy updates, and management oversight. In addition, we examine any changes in law, industry practice, or operational risk that may affect our exposure. These checks help Barnes Cleaners remain proactive rather than reactive.

This statement is reviewed annually to confirm that it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with our business activities. The review considers lessons learned, audit outcomes, concerns raised through reporting channels, and any improvements required to strengthen our anti-slavery measures.

Barnes Cleaners remains committed to acting responsibly and to ensuring that modern slavery has no place in our operations or supply chain. Through vigilance, accountability, and continuous review, we aim to uphold the highest standards of ethical employment and supplier conduct.