Stand up tall

In the month following revelations about the treatment of cleaning staff at Number 10 Downing Street, this issue includes an article by Cleanology’s CEO, Dominic Ponniah, where he looks at the need to halt the race to the bottom and reflects on an industry that ‘…has a long way to go to before cleaning operatives are valued as highly as they deserve’.

Industry leaders were recently 'appalled and upset' following Sue Gray's report into the disgrace that was ‘partygate’ which revealed that there were 'multiple examples of a lack of respect and poor treatment of security and cleaning staff' in Number 10.

Jim Melvin, chairman of the British Cleaning Council, said: "At a time when many cleaning and hygiene operational staff were putting themselves at risk to maintain high standards of hygiene and ensure that key workers and the public were safe and well during the pandemic, it is absolutely appalling and upsetting to hear that they were being treated with such contempt by people who sit within government or the civil service and who frankly should know better. Cleaning staff are hardworking, professional and deserve to be respected in their vital work, just like anyone else, and certainly how the people concerned would expect to be treated… The Prime Minister himself thanked cleaning staff in Parliament and now we are subjected to the contents of Sue Gray’s report. Which one are we to believe? What cleaning staff need is support and recognition from the government, not to be treated with such arrogance or disrespect. In that respect, we wish to engage with the government and actually see what the claim that ‘steps have been taken’ really means in detail. We will be formally requesting a meeting to have such engagement and discussion."

This attitude to those outside government by the Prime Minister and his Ministers may be what we’ve generally come to expect, but what can be done to change attitudes across the board? Reports suggested that the pandemic had boosted the profile and perceived importance of our sector, and that might be true. I wonder, however, to what extent this extends to the people delivering the service?

In his excellent comment on Page 18, Dominic Ponniah looks at the continued problems created by cleaning contracts being awarded on price alone. He says: “The race to the bottom epitomises the struggles we face. The pandemic has gone some way to raising the status of cleaning operatives as key workers, but we have a long way to go before cleaning operatives are valued as highly as they deserve. At management level, our industry struggles to attract the top candidates, who feel cleaning is not as bright and sparkly as other sectors like hospitality or retail. In my business, Cleanology, our recent candidates have been drawn by our work on sustainability or fair pay, rather than a driving desire to work in cleaning. So, what can we do to shift perceptions, and move cleaning from a commodity to a valued business essential?”

He goes on to suggest that the first step – perhaps an obvious one – is that we need to value ourselves more. This doesn’t just mean valuing our individual businesses, but our staff and our sector as a whole. And he might be right…but this is made more difficult when those who supposedly sit in power and set an example for others to follow behave as they do. I wish Jim Melvin well in his campaign to hold government accountable for its actions, and to use this latest scandal as a lever to encourage government to recognise the critical role played by cleaning professionals. Perhaps if those ‘at the top’ show the sector the respect it deserves this will filter down for the benefit of all.

I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

Industry News

In the news this month… CHSA raises £5k for Grief Encounter, BioVate Hygienics launches with environmental pledge.

PEOPLE

Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors.

CONTRACTS

We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.

SPECIAL REPORT: HALTING THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, argues that it’s time for cleaning to stand firm - to value itself as an industry and shout about its achievements..

SPECIAL REPORT: UK BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTSLEARNING FROM THE WORLD’S GREENEST COUNTRIES

What can your company do to actively emulate eco-friendly countries? What strategies can you implement to help Britain meet its ambitious targets? With some insights from the commercial LPG division at Flogas, let’s take a look.

SPECIAL REPORT: HOW AND WHY NHS TRUSTS MUST TAKE A LONGER-TERM VIEW OF SOFTWARE PROCUREMENT

Dan Teare, healthcare sector director at mpro5, reports.

NEW PRODUCTS

An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.

03 Editor’s Comment

A look at the cleaning sector this month.

13 BICSc Comment

Dignity. Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc, reports.

14 BCC Comment

Cost-of-living crisis - the latest challenge for domestic

SPECIAL REPORT: CLEANING INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS HONOURED AT GOLDEN SERVICE AWARDS

The elite of the cleaning and FM industry were recognised at the 2022 Golden Service Awards for their excellence and commitment to delivering the highest standards through unprecedented challenging times.

FEATURE: CLEANING CHEMICALS & DOSING SYSTEMS

Customers are increasingly demanding cleaning products that are sustainable but going green doesn’t have to mean compromising on efficacy. This feature looks at chemicals used for cleaning, and dosing systems that help ensure their correct usage.

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