BCC Urges Cleaning Sector to Tackle Modern Slavery Head-On

Excerpt: BCC calls on the UK cleaning sector to tighten safeguards and eliminate modern slavery risks across supply chains.

Modern Slavery in the Spotlight

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has issued an industry-wide appeal urging organisations in the UK cleaning sector to redouble efforts to prevent and detect modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. This call follows growing concerns that vulnerable workers may be exposed to exploitation in environments with low oversight and fragmented accountability.

Announced on 18 April 2024, the BCC's statement places renewed focus on transparency and ethical diligence, especially amid continued demand for outsourced housekeeping and commercial cleaning solutions. The council argues that as an industry often reliant on agency or temporary labour, cleaning businesses must take stronger action to safeguard workers and stamp out exploitative practices.

Calls for Stronger Business Practices

Improving Workforce Oversight

The BCC urged companies to enhance vetting procedures, ensure fair employment contracts, and maintain robust reporting frameworks to identify at-risk individuals. Employers are encouraged to review their hiring methods, especially when working with third-party suppliers of contract cleaning services or janitorial staff.

Additionally, the council emphasised the importance of senior leadership involvement in enforcing anti-slavery policies, particularly as global supply chains introduce added complexity to compliance efforts.

Mandatory Reporting and Ethical Commitment

While all large UK businesses with £36 million+ in annual turnover are legally required to publish a Modern Slavery Statement, the BCC recommends that smaller businesses voluntarily adopt similar standards. These statements typically include details on training, risk assessment, due diligence, and effectiveness metrics.

The cleaning sector's increasing reliance on bulk cleaning chemicals and imported janitorial supplies creates added necessity for clear oversight mechanisms across international and domestic procurement channels.

Industry Collaboration and Shared Accountability

The BCC is not alone in its advocacy. Industry partners and stakeholders have echoed the need for shared ethical responsibility in the drive toward modern slavery eradication. Cleaning contractors, facility managers, hospitality providers, and manufacturers of contract cleaning supplies all contribute to maintaining transparent and compliant supply networks.

Some competitors in commercial cleaning services have begun enhancing their supplier auditing processes and employee welfare programs. However, the BCC insists much work remains, especially in sectors like hospitality cleaning services, where subcontracting and fluctuating demand can obscure accountability.

Duraclean’s Ethical, End-to-End Approach

Ethics and transparency have always been at the core of Duraclean’s operations. In response to today’s evolving challenges, Duraclean continues to provide a full-service solution for commercial cleaning operations — combining technology-driven ordering systems, client-dedicated stock holding, and robust supply chain auditing practices.

With an emphasis on sustainable cleaning solutions, Duraclean ensures that businesses sourcing janitorial supplies or bulk cleaning chemicals can do so confidently, knowing they’re partnering with a provider committed to ethical standards and long-term supply chain integrity.

Commitment to Worker Welfare and Compliance

As calls for reform strengthen across the sector, organisations that rely on outsourced housekeeping or contract cleaning services must rise to the occasion. Maintaining ethical partnerships and staying ahead of compliance requirements is no longer a box-ticking exercise — it’s a business imperative that reflects broader societal values and customer expectations.

Looking to streamline your cleaning supply procurement? Contact Duraclean today to learn how we support hospitality and contract cleaning businesses across the UK.