Modern Slavery Statement for Cleaners Barnes
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions Cleaners Barnes takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold fundamental human rights and to ensure that all work associated with our services is voluntary, fairly rewarded, and undertaken in safe and respectful conditions.
Cleaners Barnes operates in the cleaning and facilities sector, relying on both direct employees and third-party suppliers. We understand that our industry can be vulnerable to exploitation, including forced labour, debt bondage, and trafficking. This statement explains how we identify, prevent, and address such risks.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
Cleaners Barnes has a clear zero-tolerance stance on all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any practice that involves forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, child labour in violation of international standards, or the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. Compliance with this policy is a condition of working with or on behalf of Cleaners Barnes. Any breach may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, and may be reported to relevant authorities where appropriate.
Ethical Employment Practices
We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment and employment practices. Workers must not be required to pay recruitment fees, surrender identity documents, or work under threat or coercion. All staff receive clear written terms of employment and are free to leave their employment subject to reasonable notice requirements.
Wages are paid regularly and in line with applicable laws and regulations. We do not tolerate unlawful deductions, retaliation for raising concerns, or discriminatory practices.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Cleaners Barnes expects suppliers to uphold the same high standards we set for ourselves. We require suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced or trafficked labour and that they respect the rights and dignity of all workers in their operations and supply chains.
We assess suppliers based on their labour practices, health and safety standards, and approach to human rights. Where appropriate, we conduct audits or request evidence of compliance, such as policies, training materials, or third-party certifications. If concerns arise, we may carry out targeted reviews, request corrective action plans, or suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to address identified issues.
New suppliers are subject to due diligence before engagement, and we continue to monitor higher-risk relationships over time.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We promote awareness of modern slavery risks among our management teams and relevant staff members. Training focuses on how to identify potential indicators of exploitation, how to respond safely, and how to use our internal reporting procedures.
Cleaners Barnes encourages anyone working with or for us to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports can be made to a line manager or a senior manager, and concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Where there is a credible suspicion of modern slavery, we will consider escalation to external bodies, including law enforcement or regulatory authorities, in line with legal obligations and the safety of those involved.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires regular assessment and improvement. Cleaners Barnes commits to reviewing this Modern Slavery Statement at least once every year and whenever there are significant changes in our business operations or relevant legislation.
As part of the annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our policies, supplier due diligence, audits, and training. We will consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders, and update our approach where necessary to strengthen protections against exploitation.
This statement reflects the commitment of Cleaners Barnes to conduct business ethically and responsibly, to work only with partners who share our values, and to support the global effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.
