Modern Slavery Statement for Sutton Cleaners

Sutton Cleaners is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out our approach to preventing slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that every cleaning service, procurement decision, and employment practice must support dignity, fairness, and lawful working conditions. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers.

We understand that modern slavery can take many forms, including debt bondage, exploitative recruitment, withholding of identity documents, and coercion. Sutton Cleaners expects all personnel to act with integrity and to follow our ethical standards at all times. This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying risks, strengthening safeguards, and taking decisive action where concerns arise. The company will not knowingly work with any organisation involved in abusive labour practices.

To support this commitment, Sutton Cleaners maintains clear internal controls covering recruitment, onboarding, and workforce management. We require that employment is voluntary, wages are paid lawfully, and working hours comply with relevant legislation. Managers are trained to recognise warning signs of exploitation, while any suspected breach is escalated promptly for review. Our approach to modern slavery prevention is built into daily operations rather than treated as a one-off compliance exercise.

Our supply chain includes products and services such as uniforms, cleaning materials, equipment, and subcontracted support. We expect every supplier to uphold the same ethical standards as Sutton Cleaners. Before entering into a commercial relationship, we assess suppliers using risk-based due diligence that considers geography, labour practices, use of labour brokers, and the nature of the goods or services provided. Higher-risk relationships receive enhanced scrutiny.

As part of our ongoing monitoring, Sutton Cleaners carries out supplier audits where appropriate. These audits may include document reviews, worker interviews, site inspections, and checks on payroll and recruitment practices. Where issues are identified, we require corrective action within a defined timeframe. If a supplier fails to address serious concerns, we may suspend or terminate the relationship. This measured yet firm response reinforces our modern slavery expectations across the supply chain.

We also expect suppliers to maintain transparent records and to flow down equivalent obligations to their own subcontractors. By reinforcing these requirements, Sutton Cleaners aims to reduce hidden labour risks and strengthen accountability at every stage of procurement. Our procurement decisions are guided by responsible sourcing principles, not only cost and convenience. This ensures that our anti-slavery commitments remain practical and effective.

Employees, agency staff, and third parties are encouraged to report any concern relating to exploitation, unsafe recruitment, intimidation, or suspicious labour conditions. Sutton Cleaners provides internal reporting channels through line management, senior leadership, and designated safeguarding routes. Reports may be made confidentially, and concerns are treated seriously, objectively, and without delay. No one will suffer retaliation for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

All allegations are investigated promptly and proportionately. Where necessary, we cooperate with relevant authorities and support steps to protect affected individuals. Depending on the findings, actions may include supplier review, contract suspension, enhanced monitoring, training improvement, or other remedial measures. We believe that a strong modern slavery statement must not only set expectations but also describe how those expectations are enforced in practice.

Sutton Cleaners also promotes awareness through induction and periodic refresher training so that staff can recognise indicators of forced labour and understand their responsibilities. Training covers vulnerability in recruitment, signs of coercion, and the importance of accurate records. This helps create a culture in which ethical concerns are raised early and handled responsibly. Our modern slavery controls are designed to be accessible, practical, and effective.

Annual Review This statement and the measures described within it are reviewed annually to ensure they remain current, effective, and proportionate to the risks facing Sutton Cleaners. The review considers supplier performance, incident trends, audit results, training outcomes, and any legal or operational changes. Where improvements are identified, we update our procedures and strengthen our prevention measures accordingly.

The annual review also allows us to measure progress against our zero-tolerance policy and to refresh our priorities for the year ahead. Sutton Cleaners recognises that tackling slavery and human trafficking is an ongoing responsibility requiring vigilance, accountability, and continuous improvement. We remain committed to ethical business conduct and to maintaining a workplace and supply chain free from exploitation.