Modern slavery remains a pressing global issue, with vulnerable workers often exploited in industries that rely on low-wage labour - including commercial cleaning. While many businesses strive to ensure ethical practices, the cleaning industry’s complex supply chains and high demand for flexible, cost-effective services create risks for modern slavery.
Thankfully, growing awareness and action are transforming the industry. This guide explores how the commercial cleaning sector is addressing modern slavery and what businesses can do to ensure they work with responsible cleaning providers.
Modern slavery encompasses forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, and other exploitative practices where individuals cannot freely leave their employment.
For businesses outsourcing cleaning services, the risks can extend to their own reputation, making it essential to vet providers thoroughly.
The commercial cleaning industry is increasingly stepping up to tackle modern slavery. Here are the key strategies being implemented:
Cleaning providers are prioritising transparency across their operations and supply chains to identify and address risks of exploitation.
How it’s done:
For businesses, working with cleaning companies that provide detailed supply chain reports is a critical step in mitigating modern slavery risks.
Unethical recruitment practices, such as charging workers high fees or withholding passports, are a common driver of modern slavery. Ethical cleaning providers are addressing this by:
Industry certifications and standards play a vital role in ensuring cleaning providers uphold ethical labour practices. Look for companies that comply with:
These certifications reassure businesses that their cleaning provider actively supports workers’ rights.
One of the simplest ways to combat modern slavery is by ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions for cleaning staff. Reputable providers:
Raising awareness about modern slavery among cleaning staff, managers, and clients is crucial for prevention. Cleaning companies are implementing:
The cleaning industry is also working alongside governments, NGOs, and industry groups to eradicate modern slavery. Key initiatives include:
| Strategy | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Audits, reporting channels, worker verification. |
| Ethical recruitment | No recruitment fees, clear employment terms. |
| Certifications | ISO, SEDEX, B Corp standards. |
| Fair wages | Minimum/living wage, safe conditions. |
| Education & training | Rights awareness, exploitation prevention. |
| Collaboration | Compliance with laws, partnerships with NGOs. |
As a client, you play a crucial role in supporting ethical practices in commercial cleaning. Here’s how:
Vet potential cleaning partners carefully. Ask for evidence of ethical recruitment, fair wages, and supply chain transparency.
Seek providers with certifications like ISO 45001, SEDEX membership, and B Corp Certification to ensure ethical compliance.
Even after hiring, continue to review your provider’s labour practices and policies to confirm ongoing compliance.
Suspiciously low quotes often signal cost-cutting at workers’ expense. Invest in providers who prioritise people and quality.
Educate your team about modern slavery risks and encourage them to report any red flags.
Modern slavery refers to exploitative practices such as forced labour and debt bondage, where workers cannot leave freely and face abusive conditions.
Look for transparency in supply chains, certifications (ISO, SEDEX, B Corp), and documented fair labour practices. Always request proof.
Low prices often reflect cost-cutting in labour practices, such as underpaying workers or ignoring safety standards; major red flags for modern slavery.
ISO 45001 for safety, SEDEX membership for supply chain ethics, and B Corp for overall social responsibility.
By choosing ethical providers, conducting audits, and prioritising fair pricing, your business can help eliminate exploitative practices in the industry.
The commercial cleaning industry is moving toward greater accountability and ethical standards, but there’s still work to be done. By supporting responsible providers, businesses can help drive positive change, ensuring a fair and transparent industry for all.
Make the right choice for your business and the planet. Contact us today to learn how our cleaning services prioritise ethical labour practices and transparency - because a clean space should never come at the cost of human rights.