Financial year: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025
Introduction
John Hutchings Service Ltd — trading as Karcher Center JHS, John Hutchings Services, and Need2Clean (referred to hereafter as “we” or “our”) issues this statement for the financial year above. This statement explains the steps we take to identify and manage risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
As a supplier to both consumer and professional markets in the cleaning equipment and technology industry, we acknowledge our responsibility to address these risks proactively. We are committed to ensuring that slavery and human trafficking have no place in our operations or in those of our partners.
Organisational Structure and Supply Chains
We are a UK-based business providing cleaning supplies, machinery, and equipment. Our product range includes:
- Cleaning equipment and machines for households (Consumers)
- Cleaning equipment and machines for commercial, industrial, and municipal operators (Professionals)
- Accessories, spare parts, and cleaning/maintenance products
Countries of Operation and Supply
We operate solely in the UK. To assess potential risks of slavery or trafficking, we:
- Conduct annual supplier audits covering quality, social, environmental, and workplace safety standards.
- Require all suppliers to adhere to our compliance rules and sign our Code of Conduct.
- Ask new suppliers to complete detailed questionnaires on ethical, environmental, and social practices.
Our Code of Conduct
All suppliers must sign and comply with our Code of Conduct, which requires:
- Respect for human rights
- Prohibition of child labour, forced labour, and corruption
- Fair wages and fair treatment of workers
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- Strong environmental and workplace protections
Relevant Policies
Whistleblowing
We encourage staff, customers and business partners to report concerns about our operations or supply chains, including risks of slavery or human trafficking. Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
Employee Code of Conduct
Our Employee Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of staff. We require the highest levels of integrity and ethical conduct across all operations and supply chain management.
Due Diligence
We perform due diligence when engaging new suppliers and regularly review existing suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with our standards.
Training
We provide training covering:
- Ethical purchasing practices and fair pricing
- How to recognise signs of slavery and human trafficking
- Immediate actions and internal escalation procedures
- External support resources (e.g. Modern Slavery Helpline, GLAA, Stronger Together)
- Steps to take if suppliers do not apply anti-slavery policies, including removal from our supply chain
Awareness-Raising
We raise awareness among employees by highlighting the Modern Slavery Act, publishing this policy, and signposting external support channels.