Cleaners EC1 Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Cleaners EC1 in respect of our operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and all related abuses in every area of our business.
Cleaners EC1 operates in the cleaning and facilities sector, a field that can be vulnerable to labour exploitation. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard workers, uphold human rights, and promote fair and safe working conditions. This statement relates to the current financial year and will be reviewed annually.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
Cleaners EC1 has a clear and explicit zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and human trafficking. Any form of exploitation is fundamentally incompatible with our values and our obligations under applicable law.
No employee, contractor, agency worker, or supplier may directly or indirectly engage in practices that constitute modern slavery. We will terminate relationships with any party found to be involved in such activities, subject to appropriate investigation. Our leadership team is fully committed to enforcing this policy and ensuring it is reflected in our decisions, contracts, and day-to-day behaviour.
Our Workforce and Employment Practices
All staff engaged by Cleaners EC1 must work voluntarily under freely agreed terms. We do not tolerate the withholding of passports or identification documents, the use of recruitment fees, or any practice that restricts a worker’s freedom of movement or choice of employment.
We are committed to paying at least the legal minimum wage and to complying with national employment laws on working hours, holidays, and other protections. New employees receive clear written information about their role, pay, and conditions, and are encouraged to raise any concerns regarding treatment, safety, or pay.
Supplier Standards and Due Diligence
As part of our risk management, we aim to work only with reputable suppliers, subcontractors, and labour agencies who share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. Our supplier selection and onboarding processes include an assessment of ethical and labour standards, alongside quality and commercial criteria.
We expect suppliers to comply with all relevant laws relating to modern slavery and human trafficking and to maintain policies and controls to prevent exploitation. Where appropriate, we seek written confirmation of compliance and require suppliers to cascade these expectations through their own supply chains.
Supplier Audits and Monitoring
Cleaners EC1 carries out proportionate supplier audits to verify compliance with our anti-slavery requirements. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and structured discussions with management and, where possible, with workers.
Audit focus areas include worker recruitment practices, proof of age, right-to-work documentation, contracts of employment, pay records, working hours, and grievance procedures. Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers on corrective action plans with clear timelines. Failure to take effective remedial action or repeated non-compliance can lead to suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Raising Concerns and Reporting Channels
We encourage anyone connected with Cleaners EC1, including employees, agency workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or labour abuse. Reports can be made confidentially through our internal management routes or via senior leadership, without fear of retaliation.
All concerns are treated seriously and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we may involve external advisers or relevant authorities. We are committed to protecting those who raise concerns in good faith, and we strictly prohibit any form of victimisation or detriment arising from making a report.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
Key managers and staff in recruitment, procurement, and operations receive training to help them identify signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. We also promote awareness of our zero-tolerance policy through induction, internal communications, and regular updates.
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We will continue to strengthen our processes, deepen engagement with suppliers, and refine our risk assessments in response to emerging best practice, legal developments, and feedback from workers and stakeholders.
Annual Review and Approval
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with our operational realities. As part of the review, we assess the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence, audits, and training, and we identify actions to enhance our approach.
The statement has been approved by the leadership of Cleaners EC1, who take overall responsibility for its implementation and for promoting a culture in which modern slavery has no place in our business or supply chains.