In today’s highly competitive business landscape, recruiting and retaining the best staff is crucial for any organisation’s success. And in the cleaning industry, the cleanliness and hygiene of the premises play a crucial role in creating a positive and professional environment. To ensure impeccable cleanliness, it is essential to recruit and train the best cleaning staff.

The recruitment and training processes play a pivotal role in ensuring that the company attracts focussed and loyal candidates and develops their talent. By implementing best practices in these areas, cleaning businesses can maximise their chances of acquiring and nurturing the best staff members. We’ve pinpointed the key best practices for recruitment and training.

Recruitment

• Define Clear Job Requirements – To attract the best staff, it is imperative to clearly define job requirements, including necessary qualifications, skills, and experience. This ensures that the business targets suitable candidates who possess the desired competencies.

• Utilise Multiple Sourcing Channels – Relying on a single sourcing channel limits the pool of potential candidates. Expanding the recruitment process to include various channels such as job boards, social media platforms, professional networks, and employee referrals can lead to a broader and more diverse candidate pool.

• Conduct Thorough Interviews – Interviews provide an opportunity to assess candidates’ suitability for each role. Structured interviews with standardised questions and assessment criteria help ensure fairness and consistency. Additionally, incorporating behavioural and situational questions can shed light on candidates’ problem-solving abilities and cultural fit.

Cleaning staff should have a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently, and a customer-centric approach. Conducting background checks and contacting references can provide further insights into a candidate’s work history and reliability.

• Assess Cultural Fit – Hiring candidates who align with the organisation’s values, mission, and culture is crucial for long-term success. Assessing cultural fit through interviews, reference checks, and even informal meetings can help determine if candidates will thrive within the business’ environment.

Here at Brightr, in order to become a member of our team, our cleaners must provide us with two references, undergo a rigorous training program, and agree to close supervision of their cleaning. With this process, we are able to promise you medical, industrial, office and commercial cleaning services of the highest possible standard. Not only this, each of our team will attend your premises uniformed and badged so that you are able to easily identify them when they are visiting.

Training

• Develop a Comprehensive Training Programme – Once the right candidates are selected, a comprehensive training program is vital to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. The training should cover various aspects of cleaning, including proper handling and use of cleaning equipment and products, knowledge of different surfaces and their cleaning requirements, and adherence to safety protocols. It is essential to provide both theoretical and hands-on training to ensure that the cleaning staff can effectively perform their duties.

In addition to technical skills, training should also focus on soft skills such as communication and customer service. Cleaning staff often interact with employees, clients, or visitors, and therefore need to possess excellent interpersonal skills. They should be trained on professional communication, active listening, and resolving issues or complaints in a courteous and efficient manner. A positive and friendly demeanour can enhance the overall experience of those on the premises.

• Performance Assessments – Conducting regular performance assessments and identifying skill gaps allows for targeted training interventions, enabling employees to reach their full potential.

• Encourage Continuous Learning – Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the organisation. Encourage employees to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences relevant to their roles. Implementing a robust learning management system that offers a variety of resources further facilitates ongoing learning.

• Evaluate Training Effectiveness – Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of training programs to ensure they are meeting their objectives. Collect feedback from employees and assess their performance improvements post-training. This feedback loop helps identify areas for improvement and refine training initiatives accordingly.

• Foster a Positive Work Environment – A positive work environment plays a vital role in staff retention and productivity. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and recognition of employees’ achievements.

By following these best practices in recruitment and training, cleaning businesses can significantly enhance their chances of attracting and retaining the best staff. Investing time and resources into these processes demonstrates a commitment to employee development, leading to increased productivity, improved morale, and ultimately, the long-term success of the organisation.

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Unfortunately, not all cleaning companies are as reliable and trustworthy as they first seem. In some cases, you could end up with a careless cleaner and an unprofessional clean. Where a CQC standard is also required, this could leave your premises at risk of immediate closure. Don’t trust just anyone with your office, commercial, industrial or surgery cleaning; Brightr Ltd are proud to be Northampton’s best reviewed, most trusted cleaning company. We also offer professional, high quality office cleaning in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

The biggest danger in a tight labour market is to take on anyone regardless of whether they are suitable or not. But remember; any cleaning company is only as good as the staff.

Our cleaners are conscientious, well-mannered and are able to work around the public without creating a disturbance, allowing them to clean your site during the day. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about trusting us with keys to your premises if you don’t wish to. Would you prefer your office, commercial building, factory or medical centre was cleaned in the evening? That is also fine. Our team can provide cleaning services at your site day or night.

In short, we:

• Try to recruit via recommendation from existing good staff if possible
• Scrutinise CVs
• Always take references
• Conduct a trial shift if possible
• Pay over national living wage

Training

• Provide training by a supervisor or manager – not by the other cleaners: we want to start with good habits.
• Are very clear on
  • Chemicals
  • Dilutions of chemicals
  • Which materials to use – cloths, brushes, mops
  • Equipment
• Health and safety
  • COSHH
  • Basic materials handling and lifting techniques
  • First Aid training
  • Accident form completion and chain of communication in case of incident

Recruiting and training the best cleaning staff requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Clear job descriptions, rigorous selection processes, and thorough training programs are the pillars of success. By investing in the recruitment and training of the best cleaning staff, businesses can ensure a clean and hygienic environment that promotes productivity, professionalism, and overall well-being.

If you have any commercial appliances on your work premises, then keeping them clean is essential. Dishwasher care in particular is crucial if you serve any food, as no matter how appetising your menu, if your meals are presented on dull or dirty crockery then your reputation could suffer.

Even in the most humble of office kitchens, commercial dishwashers can harbour all kinds of germs and bugs if they’re not cleaned properly. Build up of food residue can clog up jets and filters, and after a while the appliance will not be effective in the job it’s made for. After all, you wouldn’t bathe in a dirty bath, so why put dishes in a dirty dishwasher?

Whatever kind of business you run, if you have employees or customers that are consuming food which has been made or served from your kitchen, you have a duty of care to ensure that all equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use.

So, we’ve established that cleaning a commercial dishwasher is important to ensure that it functions properly and maintains a high level of hygiene. But would you know how to clean a commercial dishwasher? Here are the general steps:

• Turn off and unplug the dishwasher – This is important to ensure your safety while cleaning the dishwasher.

• Remove debris – Remove any large pieces of debris such as food particles, plates, or utensils from the dishwasher. Use a brush or scraper to remove any stubborn food particles (these accumulate particularly around the filter.

• Clean the spray arms – Remove the spray arms and soak them in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Then use a brush to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside.

• Clean the interior – Use a soft cloth and a cleaning solution to clean the interior of the dishwasher. Pay attention to the corners and edges where dirt and debris could accumulate.

• Clean the filters – Remove the filters and soak them in warm soapy water. Scrub them gently with a soft brush to remove any build up that has accumulated.

• Rinse and sanitise – Rinse all parts of the dishwasher thoroughly with clean water. Then sanitise the dishwasher by using a sanitising solution (following manufacturer’s instructions).

• Reassemble and test – After all parts have been cleaned and sanitised, reassemble the dishwasher and test it to ensure that it is working properly.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your specific commercial dishwasher, as the process may vary slightly depending on the model.

How often should you clean a commercial dishwasher?

The frequency with which a commercial dishwasher should be cleaned depends on a variety of factors. This includes how frequently it is used, the type of dishwasher, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Generally, it is recommended that a commercial dishwasher is cleaned at least once a day, or after every use if it is constantly used. This involves removing any food debris from the machine, rinsing the filters, and sanitising the interior.

In addition to daily cleaning, it is also important to perform periodic deep cleaning of the dishwasher, especially in hard water areas.

How do you clean limescale on a commercial dishwasher?

Much like general cleaning of your appliance, there are steps you can follow to clean limescale from a commercial dishwasher:

• Turn off the power to the dishwasher and unplug it from the wall to ensure your safety.

• Empty the dishwasher of any dishes and remove any loose debris or food particles from the dishwasher.

• Mix a solution of half white vinegar and half water in a bucket or container. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to help loosen the limescale.

• Use a soft brush or sponge to apply the solution to the interior of the dishwasher, paying special attention to areas with heavy limescale build-up. You may find it easier to apply this solution from a trigger spray bottle.

• Let the solution work for 10-15 minutes to allow it to dissolve the limescale.

• After the solution has worked for enough time, use a scrubbing brush or sponge to scrub the areas where the limescale has accumulated.

• Rinse the interior of the dishwasher thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda residue.

• Check to see if any limescale remains. If there is still some build-up, repeat the process until it is removed completely.

• Once the limescale is removed, dry the interior of the dishwasher with a clean cloth.

• Finally, plug the dishwasher back in and turn it on to make sure it is working properly.

Can you use bleach in a commercial dishwasher?

Unless it’s in a heavily diluted form and only for cleaning purposes where it will be rinsed off quickly, then the answer is no. It is not recommended to use bleach in a commercial dishwasher as it can damage or corrode the stainless steel parts, as well as harm any rubber or plastic components.

Bleach is not an effective cleaner for removing food residues and stains from dishes, and it can create a hazardous environment for those who come into contact with it. When bleach is mixed with hot water, toxic chlorine fumes can be produced – not a good combination for an appliance that uses hot water.

Commercial dishwashers are typically designed to use specialised detergents and sanitisers that are specifically formulated for use in high-temperature appliances.

Check your manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cleaning products for your commercial dishwasher to ensure that it operates safely and effectively.

Do commercial dishwashers sterilise?

Commercial dishwashers are designed to thoroughly clean and sanitise dishes, but this does not necessarily sterilise them.

Sterilisation is a process that kills all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Commercial dishwashers typically use high-temperature water, chemicals, or a combination of both to clean and sanitise its load, but they may not achieve the level of sterilisation required for certain industries such as healthcare.

In the food service and hospitality industry, commercial dishwashers are designed to meet health standards and regulations for cleaning dishes to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. These machines use hot water and chemical detergents, to sanitise dishes and utensils. The temperature of the water and the concentration of the chemicals used will vary depending on the dishwasher model and the specific requirements of the local health authority.

If you need to sterilise dishes for medical or health and safety reasons, you will need to use a different method, such as autoclaving or chemical sterilisation. These processes are specialised due to the use of pressure, steam and high temperatures, and/or chemicals, so are not suitable for untrained people.

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Once you have established a good cleaning routine, your dishwasher should run optimally, resulting in a longer life for your appliance. Scraping plates thoroughly before dishwashing will ensure that the filters stay cleaner for longer, and regularly descaling will help protect the heating element inside the machine.

Whether you are in need of a professional industrial, commercial, office, surgery or even a sports centre clean, our teams are here to help. Providing reliable cleaning services to all types of businesses; small, medium or large, we are your experts.

Maintaining a clean and organised workplace is essential for any organisation, as it can significantly impact employee productivity, morale, and overall business success. However, ensuring that the office remains tidy and clutter-free can be challenging, especially if employees don’t take responsibility for keeping their workspaces clean. You may already engage the services of a professional cleaning contractor, but it’s still important to make your staff accountable for cleaning up after themselves between visits. Here are some effective ways to engage and encourage employees to help keep your office clean.

Set Clear Expectations

The first step to getting employees to keep the office clean is to set clear expectations. It’s a really good idea to create a workplace cleaning policy that outlines the standards for cleanliness as well as what employees are expected to do to maintain a clean and organised workspace. Make sure that this policy is communicated effectively to all employees, including new employees when they start work at your business. Set guidelines for office cleanliness and hygiene and reinforce this with signage posted in prominent locations reminding employees to clean up after themselves and to keep their workspaces tidy. Explaining the benefits of maintaining a clean workplace will go a long way towards achieving it.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

An effective way to ensure that the office stays clean is to assign certain cleaning responsibilities to different employees. Create a cleaning schedule that outlines the tasks and responsibilities of each of them. Make sure to occasionally rotate these tasks to avoid boredom and resentment setting in. This can be done on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the size of the office and the number of employees.

Provide the Necessary Tools and Supplies

Make sure that your office is well-stocked with the necessary cleaning tools and supplies. Provide bins in convenient locations and ensure that they are emptied regularly. Stock the kitchen, canteen or staff room with cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, disinfectant, and washing up liquid. Ensure that there is a vacuum cleaner and a mop available for floor cleaning. When employees have access to the tools they need, they are more likely to take responsibility for carrying out the tasks assigned to them.

Provide clear guidelines on how to use these supplies properly and safely, and make sure they are easily accessible. For more heavy duty tasks and regular professional-standard cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service.

Lead by Example

Leadership sets the tone for workplace culture, and managers must lead by example when it comes to cleanliness. Set the tone and take the time to clean your workspace and common areas (such as the staff room or meeting room) yourself. When employees see their leaders prioritising cleanliness, they are more likely to follow suit!

Regular Communication

The key to ensuring that employees understand the importance of maintaining a clean and organised workplace is to communicate with them regularly. Take the time to remind them of the workplace cleaning policy whilst highlighting the importance of cleanliness for productivity and the good reputation of the business.

Encourage Team Work

Encourage collaboration among employees as a way to keep the office clean. This could involve setting up a system where employees take turns cleaning common areas or assigning each team member a specific task to complete each day, such as wiping down the kitchen counters or emptying the bins. When employees work together to keep the office clean, they are more likely to take pride in their workplace.

Make it Fun

Some people find that cleaning can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! Make it fun by turning it into a game or challenge. For example, set a timer and challenge employees to clean their workspace in under five minutes. Making cleaning a fun (and relatively short) activity can make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Provide Incentives that Celebrate Cleanliness

Providing incentives is an effective way to motivate employees to keep the office clean. For example, you could offer a prize for the cleanest workspace or the team that consistently maintains a high level of cleanliness. Incentives could also include recognition in team meetings or public acknowledgment of an employee’s efforts in cleanliness and hygiene.

Enforce Consequences

If employees consistently fail to keep their workspaces clean or adhere to the workplace cleaning policy, there should be consequences. You need to send a clear message that cleanliness is a non-negotiable aspect of the workplace culture. While it may seem harsh, enforcing consequences can be an effective way to get employees to take responsibility for keeping the office clean.

Emphasise Health and Safety

A clean workplace is essential for health and safety reasons. Emphasise the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy workspace to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Encourage employees to take responsibility for their own health and well-being by keeping their workspace clean and hygienic. Issue antibacterial wipes so that personal equipment can be sanitised regularly, reducing the risk of contracting viruses through contact.

Address Issues Promptly

If there are any cleanliness issues in your workplace, address them promptly. Spills should be cleaned immediately so reduce the risk of stains setting in. If any cleaning problems are resolved promptly, it can prevent them from escalating, and encourage employees to take responsibility for their own workspace.

Provide Training

Training can be provided to employees about proper cleaning techniques and hygiene practices. This can include how to properly sanitise surfaces, how to dispose of waste, and how to prevent the spread of germs. Make sure that all employees are aware of these guidelines.

Encourage Feedback

Encourage employees to provide feedback about the cleanliness of the office. This can be done through regular surveys or suggestion boxes. Listen to the feedback provided – the opinions of your staff are important and must be acknowledged. Of course, there is the danger that ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ if you have a large workforce, and it could be easy for cleaning tasks to slip down the priority list if they’re busy. You may find it easier to employ a professional cleaning contractor to keep your workplace clean and sanitary.

At Brightr, we understand that we have an obligation to fulfil the agreement made with our customers to the best of our ability. Contact us here to arrange a fully comprehensive quote.

How do I get my employees to clean their desks?

Encouraging employees to keep their desks clean can contribute to a more organised and productive work environment. Here are some strategies you can employ to motivate your employees to clean their desks:

• Ensure that you and other managers maintain clean desks. When employees see their managers prioritising cleaning personal spaces they’re more likely to do the same.

• Communicate the importance of maintaining a clean workspace to your employees. Explain how a tidy desk can improve productivity, reduce stress, and create a positive impression on clients and visitors.

• Supply employees with organisational tools such as file organisers, desk trays, and recycling bins to make it easier for them to keep their desks tidy.

• Allow them time for desk cleaning sessions. Allocate a specific time during the week where employees can dedicate a few minutes to tidying up their desks.

• Offer incentives or rewards for employees who consistently maintain clean desks. This could include small prizes, or even gift cards.

• Offer tips on decluttering, proper storage techniques, and best practices for maintaining cleanliness.

• Provide storage for employees’ personal effects. Bags and coats can make a space look cluttered, but if you provide storage for these items, they’ll be out of sight.

• Regularly provide feedback to employees on the cleanliness of their desks. If necessary, address any issues or concerns about cleanliness directly and respectfully.

• Lead with Empathy – understand that maintaining a clean desk may not always be easy for everyone, especially during busy periods. Be empathetic to individual circumstances and offer support when needed.

How do you coach a messy employee?

Coaching a messy employee requires a blend of understanding, communication, and guidance.

• Understand that being messy might not be intentional or a reflection of the employee’s capabilities. Approach the situation with empathy and without judgment.

• Schedule a private meeting with the employee to discuss the issues. This helps avoid embarrassment and allows for a candid conversation.

• Explain how their messiness affects their work, team dynamics, and possibly even the company. Be specific about instances where their messiness has caused problems.

• Give the employee an opportunity to share their side of the story. There might be underlying reasons for their behaviour, such as personal issues or challenges.

• Clearly outline what is expected of them in terms of organisation and cleanliness in the workspace.

• Offer help in organising their workspace. Let them know that you’re there to help them succeed.

• Work together to develop a plan for improvement. Set achievable goals and track their progress.

• Schedule follow-up meetings to check in on their progress and offer further guidance or adjustments to the plan if needed and offer feedback where necessary.

• Celebrate milestones and improvements and provide positive reinforcement to encourage continued progress.

• Changing habits takes time, so be patient and persistent in your coaching efforts. Encourage and reassure the employee that you’re there to support them throughout the process.

How do you deal with a disorganised workplace?

Dealing with a disorganised workplace can be a headache and you need to get a grip on it! There are several steps you can take to improve the situation:

• Take a step back and assess the extent of the disorganisation. Identify specific areas that need improvement and the underlying causes.

• Implement clear systems and processes for tasks, projects, and workflows. Define roles and responsibilities, set deadlines, and establish communication channels to ensure everyone is on the same page.

• Encourage decluttering and organising of workspaces.

• Help your team prioritize tasks to focus on what’s most important. Use tools to prioritise frameworks to help employees manage their workload effectively.

• Encourage an environment of open communication and collaboration. Allow team members to share updates, ask for help when needed, and provide feedback on ways to improve processes.

• Address any issues or concerns related to disorganisation promptly. Listen to feedback from employees and take proactive steps to resolve any underlying issues contributing to the disorganisation.

• Recognise and celebrate improvements in organisation and productivity. Acknowledge the efforts of everyone who contributes to making the workplace more organised and efficient.

• Continuously evaluate systems and processes and make adjustments as necessary to maintain organisation and efficiency in the workplace.

How do I tell my employees to keep my kitchen clean?

• Addressing cleanliness in shared spaces like a kitchen can be delicate but important for maintaining a productive and comfortable work environment. But there are ways to deal with the issue in a constructive way:

• Gather all your employees for a brief meeting. Ensure everyone has a chance to attend.

• Begin the conversation by expressing appreciation for everyone’s efforts in maintaining the workspace and politely bring up the concern about the cleanliness of the kitchen. Avoid blaming or singling out individuals. Instead, focus on the collective responsibility.

• Emphasise the importance of a clean kitchen for health, safety, and professional image. Mention that a clean environment contributes to everyone’s well-being and productivity.

• Clearly communicate your expectations regarding cleanliness standards. Be specific about what needs to be done, such as washing dishes immediately after use, wiping down surfaces, and disposing of food properly.

• Encourage employees to take ownership of the kitchen space. Remind them that it’s a shared area, and everyone’s contribution to cleanliness matters.

• Make sure there are adequate cleaning supplies available in the kitchen. Encourage employees to use them and inform you if anything needs restocking.

• If there are particular issues recurring in the kitchen, address them directly but tactfully. For instance, if there’s a problem with food left in the fridge for too long, discuss proper food storage and regular cleaning of the appliances.

• Allow employees to share their thoughts and suggestions on how to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. Encourage a collaborative approach to finding solutions.

• Monitor the cleanliness of the kitchen regularly. Offer gentle reminders if cleanliness standards slip and provide positive feedback when improvements are noticed.

Ensuring that your employees are happy and healthy is fundamental if your business is to thrive. So whichever sector you’re in, you need to be sure that your workplace is safe and that your staff work in good conditions allowing them to focus on their tasks. Studies have shown that when employees feel safe and comfortable in their working environment, they are more likely to provide a higher level of productivity which can only be good for your clients who will enjoy a higher level of service.

Never underestimate the importance of workers’ wellbeing; you could be surprised by the enhancement for your company. Here are 5 tips for business leaders to help create a safe workplace.

Offer Your Employees Training

There are several reasons why offering health and safety training to your employees is important:

• Compliance with regulations: By providing training, you can ensure that your company is following regulations thus avoiding potential fines or legal penalties.

• Reduce workplace accidents and injuries: Employees will be able to identify and prevent workplace hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls. By teaching your employees how to work safely, you can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

• Save costs: Workplace accidents and injuries can result in lost productivity, increased insurance costs, and potential lawsuits. By investing in health and safety training, you can reduce the likelihood of these incidents, which can save your company money in the long run.

Routine Building Maintenance

Maintaining the fabric of your building should be a priority for any business owner. It can help ensure safety and save costs, but also preserve asset value whilst showing a professional image for your business.

• Regular maintenance of your work building can help ensure that it is safe for employees, customers, and visitors. This includes looking after structural integrity, electrics, plumbing, and other miscellaneous maintenance.

• A well-maintained building can operate more efficiently, which saves cash on utility bills and other expenses.

• By maintaining your building, you can help preserve its value. Neglecting maintenance will result in small problems that escalate into larger issues which can be expensive to fix.

• Create a positive impression of your business. Good maintenance can show that you take pride in your work environment and care about the safety and well-being of your employees and customers.

Make Sure it’s Clean

A clean and tidy office should be a standard and minimum requirement. The importance of a clean and sanitary office space should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to the health and safety of your workforce.

Of course, there are other good reasons why having a clean office is important. It can create a professional and welcoming atmosphere for clients and visitors. A clean and well-organised space can communicate a sense of competence and attention to detail, which can be important for building trust and establishing credibility.

A clean office can promote better health and productivity for employees. A tidy workspace can reduce the risk of illness and injury, and can also help people feel more focused and energised. If you want to create a safe, healthy, and productive work environment, then keep it clean!

Consider employing the services of a professional contract cleaning service like us here at Brightr, to keep your premises clean and sanitised.

Encourage Your Staff to Take Short Breaks

Taking a short break now and again is sensible both for your company and the health of your staff. If they work too hard and don’t take a few minutes to relax every few hours, they could lose focus which could lead to mistakes being made. By stretching their legs, having a snack or cup of coffee every few hours, your staff will be re-invigorated, return to their tasks with fresh eyes, and will be more likely to produce a higher standard of work.

You may like to provide your staff with snacks to keep them going, or a water cooler to keep them hydrated.

Make Workplace Safety Fun

While safety needs to be taken seriously, there are ways to help incorporate safety into company culture whilst making learning about it fun. Use your workplace signage to create safety-themed quizzes or competitions. Offer small incentives or prizes, and chances for company-wide recognition – these can be great motivators. By making it a little fun, there’s a good chance that employees will stay engaged and retain the information, making your workplace safer for all.

The UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cleaning recently released a report on the state of the cleaning industry in the country. The report, entitled “Raising Standards in Cleaning: Achieving a Living Wage for Cleaners,” highlights the challenges faced by workers in the cleaning industry and calls for greater protections and higher wages for these workers.

One of the key findings of the report is that many cleaners in the UK are paid low wages and have little job security. According to the report, the median hourly wage for cleaners in the UK is just £8.72, which is well below the national living wage of £8.91. Furthermore, many cleaners are not provided with regular contracts or benefits such as sick pay or paid holidays.

The report also notes that many cleaners work in poor conditions, with inadequate training and equipment. This can lead to injury and ill health, as well as a lower quality of cleaning services.

In light of these findings, the APPG on Cleaning is calling for a number of changes to be made to improve the lives of cleaners in the UK. These include:

• Increasing the national living wage for cleaners to £10.75 per hour
• Providing regular contracts and benefits to cleaners
• Improving the training and equipment provided to cleaners
• Establishing a Cleaning Standards Authority to set and enforce standards for the industry

The report also calls for greater transparency in the cleaning industry, with companies being required to disclose information about their cleaning contracts and the wages and conditions of their cleaners. This would allow consumers to make informed choices about the companies they do business with and help to drive up standards in the industry.

It is important to note that the cleaning industry is a significant contributor to the UK economy, employing around 1.5 million people and generating £24 billion in revenue annually. However, despite its importance, the industry has long been overlooked and undervalued. The APPG on Cleaning report is a step towards recognizing the vital role that cleaners play in maintaining the cleanliness of our buildings and public spaces and the importance of ensuring that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The report also pointed out the disproportionate number of people from ethnic minorities and immigrants who work in the cleaning sector and how they are often paid lower wages, receive fewer benefits, and have less job security compared to their white British counterparts. This further highlights the urgent need for change in the industry.

It is also important to point out that the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the essential role that cleaners play in maintaining public health and safety. The report states that cleaners have been on the front line during the pandemic, working tirelessly to keep buildings and public spaces clean and disinfected. They have put their own health and safety at risk to protect others, yet they have not been recognized or rewarded for their efforts.

In conclusion, the APPG on Cleaning report is a call to action for the UK government, companies, and consumers to recognize the vital role that cleaners play in our society and to take steps to improve their wages and working conditions. Cleaners deserve fair pay and benefits, safe working conditions, and the respect and dignity that all workers deserve. It is time for the cleaning industry to be given the attention and investment it deserves, to raise standards and ensure that cleaners are paid a living wage.