How the Commercial Cleaning Industry Is Addressing Modern Slavery

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.

Understanding Modern Slavery in the Cleaning Industry

Modern slavery encompasses forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, and other exploitative practices where individuals cannot freely leave their employment.

Why the commercial cleaning industry is vulnerable:

• Low-Skilled Labour Demand: Cleaning jobs often don’t require formal qualifications, attracting workers from marginalised or vulnerable groups.
• Subcontracting Risks: Complex subcontracting chains can obscure accountability, enabling exploitative practices to persist undetected.
• Pressure to Cut Costs: Some providers may lower wages or ignore fair labour practices to compete on price.

For businesses outsourcing cleaning services, the risks can extend to their own reputation, making it essential to vet providers thoroughly.

How the Industry Is Taking Action

The commercial cleaning industry is increasingly stepping up to tackle modern slavery. Here are the key strategies being implemented:

1. Transparency and Auditing

Cleaning providers are prioritising transparency across their operations and supply chains to identify and address risks of exploitation.

How it’s done:

• Supplier Audits: Ensuring subcontractors and suppliers comply with fair labour practices.
• Worker Documentation: Verifying employees have the legal right to work and are paid fairly.
• Open Communication: Creating safe reporting channels for workers to flag exploitation.

For businesses, working with cleaning companies that provide detailed supply chain reports is a critical step in mitigating modern slavery risks.

2. Ethical Recruitment Practices

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:

• Prohibiting recruitment fees.
• Ensuring workers are fully informed of their rights before employment.
• Collaborating with ethical recruitment agencies to source staff responsibly.

3. Certifications and Standards

Industry certifications and standards play a vital role in ensuring cleaning providers uphold ethical labour practices. Look for companies that comply with:

• ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety): Demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare.
• SEDEX Membership: Providers that use the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange demonstrate supply chain accountability.
• B Corp Certification: Indicates the company meets high standards for social and environmental responsibility.

These certifications reassure businesses that their cleaning provider actively supports workers’ rights.

4. Fair Wages and Working Conditions

One of the simplest ways to combat modern slavery is by ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions for cleaning staff. Reputable providers:

• Pay workers at least the minimum wage or a living wage, depending on local guidelines.
• Offer safe working environments with access to necessary equipment and breaks.
• Provide employment contracts in a language the worker understands.

5. Education and Training

Raising awareness about modern slavery among cleaning staff, managers, and clients is crucial for prevention. Cleaning companies are implementing:

• Worker Education: Helping employees recognise exploitative practices and understand their rights.
• Manager Training: Teaching supervisors how to spot signs of forced labour or exploitation.
• Client Awareness Campaigns: Encouraging businesses to prioritise ethical providers.

6. Government and Industry Collaboration

The cleaning industry is also working alongside governments, NGOs, and industry groups to eradicate modern slavery. Key initiatives include:

• Mandatory Reporting Laws: In some regions, such as Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, companies are required to report on their actions to combat slavery.
• Industry Codes of Conduct: Cleaning associations set ethical benchmarks that members must follow.
• Partnerships with NGOs: Organisations like Anti-Slavery International collaborate with businesses to identify and resolve issues.

What Your Business Can Do

As a client of commercial cleaning services, you play a pivotal role in supporting ethical practices. Here’s how:

1. Choose Ethical Providers: Vet cleaning companies to ensure they prioritise fair labour practices and supply chain transparency.
2. Request Certifications: Look for ISO 45001, SEDEX membership, or other relevant certifications.
3. Conduct Regular Audits: Periodically review your provider’s labour practices and supply chain policies.
4. Prioritise Fair Pricing: Avoid providers that offer unrealistically low quotes, as these often come at the expense of workers’ rights.
5. Raise Awareness: Educate your team about modern slavery and encourage them to report any red flags.

The Future of Ethical Cleaning

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.