We work with a range of clients who use us to recruit cleaning staff for around-the-clock shifts across London and Essex and I am pleased to read this report from the BCC. The All Party parliamentary group report for the cleaning and hygiene industry was published in December, making a wide range of recommendations so we can be better prepared for any future health emergency.

The BCC was established back in 1982 and has been the voice of the UK’s hygiene, waste and cleaning industry for almost 40 years. This industry sector employs almost 1.5m people throughout the UK and is worth almost £59 billion in the UK economy.

The BCC Council is made up of 21 industry bodies representing front-line staff in sectors such as Window Cleaning, Contract Cleaners, Manufacturers, Public Hygiene, Waste Management, Bin Cleaners, Training companies etc and pushing for better standards across the industry.

The Cleaning and Hygiene Industry report, published in December made 11 recommendations aimed at Government, the industry and training bodies and I have highlighted a few of these below, you can read the full HERE

• Promotion of the industry to change perceptions with Government support
• Government campaign to widen and deepen the public’s understanding of hygiene and the adoption of hygienic behaviours
• Cleaning staff should be considered for the Skilled Workers Visa Scheme
• A standard cleaning apprenticeship qualification should be made available through the levy to encourage newcomers into the sector and a clear career pathway.

Although Covid is not taking up column inches anymore in our national press, you only have to look at the news on the NHS and how stretched the A&E departments are this winter to appreciate the need for better infection control and the cleaning industry plays an enormous part in tackling infectious diseases.

A better trained, better-qualified staff will only improve this situation.

If you are looking for a team of competent recruiters, who can support you in finding the right cleaning team for your business, get in touch with one of our recruiters today.