Cleaning & Maintenance - May 2020

MAY 2020

THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE CLEANING SHOW

IN THIS ISSUE: COVID-19 Update

Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s heroic response so far to the challenge posed by COVID-19.

Training and Education

A look at why training is vital to handling critical situations facing the cleaning and hygiene industry, particularly in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Time and Attendance

An overview of how coping with staffing challenges is easier when workforce management forms part of an integrated contract management system.

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PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products

COVID-19 Update

Training and Education Time and Attendance

Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s heroic response so far to the challenge posed by COVID-19.

A look at why training is vital to handling critical situations facing the cleaning and hygiene industry, particularly in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

An overview of how coping with staffing challenges is easier when workforce management forms part of an integrated contract management system.

>>> page 26

>>> page 30

>>> page 14

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Spring cleaning has never been so serious!

It’s April – the time of year for the traditional annual spring clean. This year, however, keeping facilities clean and hygienic has taken on added significance. With the outbreak of COVID-19 still disrupting lives, businesses, and seriously affecting the health of the nation, the valuable work that cleaning operatives do every day of the year is being realised. Because, after all, cleaning and hygiene go hand in hand with infection control.

Here at Jangro, we have lots of resources which can help with this and have rounded up the most relevant for handy reference.

Practise good hand hygiene As we have been repeatedly advised by official guidance, effective hand washing and sanitising is critical to prevent the spread of infection.

The correct hand-washing technique Professional

Task Card

And now, more than ever, these operatives are putting their own health at risk for the greater good, in an attempt to help halt the spread of the pandemic.

1

Remove any jewellery from hands and wrists to allow effective cleaning. Wet hands with clean water.

2

7

Rotational rubbing 8 Rotaional rubbing backwards and of right thumb forwards with clasped clasped in the left fingers of the right hand palm, change hands in the left palm. Change and repeat. hands and repeat.

Apply enough cleanser to ensure it produces a good thick lather.

3

Rub hands to produce lather.

9

Grip the left wrist and work cleanser into the skin. Do the same with the right wrist.

4

10

Palm to palm.

5

Right palm over the back of the left hand and vice versa.

6

Rinse off all traces of lather with clean water.

11

Dry hands thoroughly with a disposable paper towel.

12

Ensure any cuts and abrasions are covered with a clean waterproof plaster.

To help ensure their health and wellbeing – and that of the wider community – commercial cleaning companies should ensure their employees follow best practice, particularly when it comes to infection prevention and control.

Discard paper towel in waste bin, avoid touching the bin.

www.jangro.net

Use cleaning products correctly It’s also important that staff are familiar with correct protocols when it to comes to using virucidal cleaners, detergents and disinfectants.

JANGRO LTD, JANGRO HOUSE, WORSLEY ROAD, FARNWORTH, BOLTON, BL4 9LU 01204 795955 | WWW.JANGRO.NET

Intertwine the fingers of the right hand over the left and vise versa. Pay particular attention to the areas between fingers and finger nails.

EDITOR’S LETTER C&M

A heroic response

Having been involved in the cleaning sector on and off for two decades, I have always understood the critical and outstanding role cleaning operatives play in keeping the public safe. The importance of this service has largely been ignored by the public, authorities and even the government. But all that has changed during the past 30 days. If anything positive is to emerge from the awful pandemic currently facing the world it will surely be far greater recognition for cleaning operatives, and a greater respect for the service they provide. I congratulate everyone involved in this sector for a performance that has been, without exaggeration, heroic.

Even the Prime Minister has taken note, paying tribute in Parliament to the ‘extraordinary’ role of cleaners during the Coronavirus crisis. This has added fuel to the BCC’s call for cleaners to be recognised as essential ‘critical or key workers’ during the pandemic. During a recent Prime Minister’s Questions the Leader of the Opposition praised the ‘unsung heroes’ who ‘keep us safe’. He went on to add: “I’d like to pay special mention to one group that are hugely ignored, forgotten and decried as unskilled workers – cleaners. All around the country and in this building, (they) are doing their best to keep our places hygienic and safe.”

Boris Johnson added: “I agree with him very much about what he said about cleaners, they do an extraordinary job and they deserve all the protection and support we can give them in this difficult time.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a terrible toll on the UK, with nobody exempt from the impact it is having on normal life, health and wellbeing. As I have come to expect over my two-decade association with the cleaning sector, cleaning businesses and their employees continue to go about their task efficiently and diligently to keep us safe. Their role will become even more significant as – in time – restrictions on movement and gatherings are lifted. A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this heroic effort.

Wishing you a happy, clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

@cleaningmag

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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CONTENTS C&M

14 Special Report: COVID-19 Update.

Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s heroic response so far to the challenge posed by COVID-19.

MAY 2020

08

30

Industry News In the news this month… Cleaning industry represents ‘5% of national workforce’, Employers in critical industries urged to issue ‘key worker’ letters to cleaners, Churchill commits to future investment with backing from ESO, CHSA donates £5000 to charity despite cancellation of gala ball, Hydro Systems publishes white paper on cleaning during Coronavirus pandemic, B&M wins compatibility award, RCP publishes ‘Love Recycling’ research report.

Feature: Time and Attendance.

An overview of how coping with staffing challenges is easier when workforce management forms part of an integrated contract management system.

32

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

34

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

05 Editor’s Comment

23 BICSc Comment

Looking back at the past month in the cleaning sector.

The origin of quarantine.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

26 Feature: Training and Education.

A look at why training is vital to handling critical situations facing the cleaning and hygiene industry, particularly in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

24 BCC Comment Public loos - could relief be in sight?

Raymond Martin, managing director of the British Toilet Association, reports.

25 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog.

Lee Andrews reports.

MAY 2020 7

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Cleaning industry represents ‘5% of national workforce’ NEW research by the British Cleaning Council

demand for recycling - waste and resources

has revealed that there are approximately

management rose to nearly £14 billion in 2018

1.63 million workers in the cleaning industry,

and now accounts for over a quarter (26%) of the

making up around 5% of the UK workforce.

turnover of the cleaning industry.

BCC chairman, Paul Thrupp, said: “The

This total, calculated for the first time by including cleaning workers employed by

cleaning industry has long believed the

businesses and organisations in non-core

overall employment figure for the sector

cleaning sectors such as cabin crew who clean

was much understated by the official

planes at turnaround and shop workers who

statistics for the core cleaning activities. So

clean the store, gives a true picture of the scale

this report is a valuable contribution to the

and importance of the industry. The figures

national conversation about the financial,

put cleaning on a par with the transport and

environmental and social value of cleaning

storage sectors and makes it one of the top 10

to the nation. The BCC will continue to be the voice for the industry, being the advocate for

largest UK industries for employment.

The BCC includes the figures in its fifth annual research report, which classifies cleaning into

whole economy, which recorded a 3% growth in

everything positive about the cleaning sector,

that period.

but also helping our members with support,

four core types: cleaning activities, facilities

Cleaning contributed over £54.5 billion to the

advice and leadership to manage challenging

management, landscape service activities,

economy in 2018 with overall turnover increasing

issues like low pay, human slavery, health and

and waste and resource management. Overall,

by 28% since 2013, double the 14% turnover of the

safety, and immigration which can impact

employment in the industry has increased by

economy overall in the same period (ONS 2019).

cleaning in the UK.”

5% between 2015 and 2018 - greater than the

One of the industry’s growth areas is the rising

WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

Employers in critical industries urged to issue ‘key worker’ letters to cleaners EMPLOYERS of cleaning staff operating in

The BCC is urging employers of cleaners

not been named as a critical industry by the

critical industries have been urged to provide

supporting these critical industries to write

Government. The UK Government should

them with written proof that they should be

letters for their staff which they can produce

make it clear that cleaners supporting essential

treated as critical and key workers. The British

as evidence that they are key workers and that

industries are excluded from the Coronavirus

Cleaning Council made the call to help remove

their work is critical.

travel ban, as the Irish Government has done.

confusion over what Government guidelines

A letter could be invaluable if cleaners need

We are advising employers of cleaners in

on dealing with Coronavirus mean for cleaners

to place children at schools or at a childcare

critical industries to provide some clarity and

working in critical industries.

provider, so they can continue going to work.

reassurance to their employees by issuing them

Schools and childcare settings have remained

with letters, which could be used as evidence

named cleaners as essential workers if they

open for the children of key workers, although

when needed.

are supporting essential industries. The

the Government has stressed that parents

“Cleanliness and high hygiene standards

British Cleaning Council is calling on the UK

should keep their children at home if they

are particularly important in the UK’s critical

Government to follow.

possibly can.

industries and institutions during the fight

The Republic of Ireland has explicitly

The UK Government has identified a number

An employer letter could also be produced

against Coronavirus. If a lot of workers become

of critical industries and institutions which

by a cleaner if they are stopped by the police

ill with the virus, then critical organisations

it wants to protect during the Coronavirus

when travelling to work, proving that they

could grind to a halt, which would have huge

pandemic. They include health and social care,

cannot work from home and their travel is

consequences for the whole country. It is

education and childcare, key public services,

essential. The Irish Government’s approach has

essential that cleaners in these sectors are able

local and national government, supermarkets

been to name the ‘cleaning of buildings and

to get to work and also get help with childcare,

and the food supply chain, public safety and

industrial cleaning’ ‘where necessary to support

if it is stopping them doing their jobs. We are

national security, the transport network,

other essential services’ under ‘Administrative

also continuing to campaign for all cleaners

utilities, communication, and financial

and Support Services’ on the list of essential

to be recognised as key workers doing critical

services. Employees in these industries

services excused the travel ban, which it

work, because of the importance of providing

are classified as key workers. Although the

published on 28 March.

and maintaining clean, sanitised and safe

cleaning sector is not named on the list, the

Paul Thrupp, chairman of the BCC, said:

premises and environments during the current

services cleaners provide are required to

“There has been some confusion among

pandemic. The role of cleaners has never been

enable these organisations to continue to

employers and employees in the cleaning

more important than it is now, during the

function safely, so cleaning staff are implicitly

sector about who should or shouldn’t go

current pandemic.”

part of the key worker group.

to work, because the cleaning industry has

WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

8 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Churchill commits to future investment Leoch acquires with backing from ESO DBS Leoch LEOCH, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers and listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has announced an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in DBS Leoch, a leading UK battery specialist.

The new company, Leoch Battery UK Ltd, will become the UK subsidiary of Leoch International. This agreement will enable Leoch to significantly grow its battery business from the industrial and leisure sectors in the UK. Leoch previously invested in DBS Leoch in January 2018. Prior to that agreement, the CHURCHILL Group has received an investment

our valued clients across all sectors.”

former DBS Energy company had supplied

Stephen Edwards of ESO Capital said: “We

Leoch batteries to the UK market for seven

the provider of flexible capital solutions to

are delighted to be backing such a high-quality

years. The new Leoch UK business will be

European SMEs. The investment will provide

company. Phil Moxom and Joel Briggs have

based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire

institutional capital and support for the

built an incredibly successful business and

and will continue to employ all 20 DBS

organisation as it continues its programme of

we look forward to working with them over

Leoch staff.

investing in its people, its innovations and its

the coming years. We have been particularly

service delivery in line with its values to ‘always

impressed with their high levels of customer

do right’, ‘always seek better’ and ‘always put

service and their forward thinking approach

people first’.

to the technology-led changes in the industry

from ESO Capital Partners UK LLP (ESO),

Churchill Group’s Joel Briggs said: “It was

through their online platform, Mo:dus. We are

hugely important for us to find a partner that

confident our expertise in supporting high-

shared our vision for Churchill. ESO’s backing

growth companies will benefit Churchill as we

will greatly support our values, business goals

work with them to develop the business and

and our rapid and resilient growth. With an

support its future growth.”

institutional partner on board, we will be able

ESO will take a minority stake in the business Fred Hapiak, president of Leoch

to focus on our strategic priorities of people,

and both Stephen Edwards and Stuart

the environment and digital transformation and

Hamilton of ESO will join the Churchill Board.

International Holding Ltd, said: “We

continue to build sustainable relationships with

WWW.CHURCHILLSERVICES.COM

are extremely focused on growing our

CHSA donates £5000 to charity despite cancellation of gala ball

business in the EMEA region and the UK in particular, and providing the best service to our customers in many sectors, from lead batteries to li-ion batteries for leisure, automotive, UPS, telecom, renewables,

DESPITE having to cancel its annual charity

cancellation of events like ours is having

and industrial applications. Our further

gala ball, which was to take place in April, the

an impact so we took a decision to make a

investment in Leoch Battery UK Ltd will

Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

donation of £5000 now.”

allow us to increase our penetration in the

(CHSA) is donating £5000 to the chairman’s charity, Grief Encounter.

Every year, thanks to the generosity of members and their guests, the CHSA raises thousands of pounds for the chairman’s charity

The Gala Ball has been re-scheduled for 23 April 2021 at the De Vere Staverton Estate. The donation being made now is an advance on the sum the CHSA expects to raise in 2021.

Richard Fogelman, chief executive officer of

UK market and provide more added value services to our clients in the region.”

Henry James, managing director of Leoch Battery UK, added: “We’ve been selling Leoch’s industry-leading battery range for

at its gala ball - in 2019 the CHSA raised £8000 for

Grief Encounter, said: “This is truly amazing.

almost 10 years now and the technology

Grief Encounter. The social distancing essential

Thank you. At a time when demand is higher

has proven to be particularly successful for

to tackling Coronavirus meant this year’s gala

than ever and donations will be decreasing,

UK customers. We’re delighted to become

ball has been cancelled so the CHSA took action.

this has come as a most welcome surprise.

a wholly-owned business within the Leoch

We really can’t thank you enough for all your

International group and look forward to

coronavirus pandemic,” said David Garcia,

support, from everyone at Grief Encounter,

helping it to achieve its goals in the UK and

vice president of the CHSA and the driving

really incredibly.”

European markets.”

force behind the association’s gala ball. “The

WWW.CHSA.CO.UK

WWW.LEOCHBATTERY.CO.UK

“Charities have suffered in the midst of the

10 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

C&M

Hydro Systems publishes white paper on cleaning during Coronavirus pandemic DUE to the global pandemic

“From schools to hotels to

caused by COVID-19, Hydro

office buildings, every facility…

Systems, a leader in chemical

has been impacted by COVID-19

dispensing equipment, software

in some shape or form and now

and services, has published an

requires frequent cleaning to

educational white paper called

mitigate the spread of infection,”

‘Dispensing cleanliness during an

said Matt Hayas, global product

outbreak or pandemic’. The white

manager, Hydro Systems. “Our

paper discusses the current state

free white paper provides insight

of the pandemic, cleaning best

on promoting health and wellness

practices and the benefits of using

through cleaning, disinfecting and

chemical dispensing systems to

sanitising, while also outlining the

combat an outbreak. The white

effective role chemical dispensers

paper is available for download

can play before, during and after

via the www.hydrosystemsco.com

an outbreak.”

website.

WWW.HYDROSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM

Jangro celebrates ruby anniversary THIS year marks a milestone

strong! This is a huge achievement

birthday for Jangro, the largest

and we wouldn’t be where we are

network of independent janitorial

today without our brilliant suppliers

and cleaning distributors in the

and members. Our shared passion

UK and Ireland, as the business

for quality, value and innovation is

celebrates 40 years in the cleaning

just some of the reasons behind our

and FM industry.

success. We value the relationships

The Jangro concept was founded

that have grown over the years and

in 1980 by Bryan Squires, now

would like to say a massive thank

Jangro’s honorary life president, by

you to the supply chain involved in

drawing together five like-minded

the network. At milestone moments

independent distributors. Today it is

such as these, it’s great to look back

the largest network of independent

to see where we have come from, but

janitorial distributors in the UK and

equally important to keep looking

Ireland, with 46 strategically located

ahead. Our vision for the future is

distributors that provide national

to continue building on our great

coverage with a local, fast and

customer offer, and to work with our

reliable delivery service.

industry colleagues to ensure our

Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, said: “Jangro is 40 and still going

sector maintains its high standards.”

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MAY 2020 11

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25/03/2020 12:46

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

B&M wins compatibility award EVERY year, JLL PAM UK holds its supply

waste away from landfill, recycling as much as

chain conference during which the company

they possibly can.

Graeme Knight, major accounts director at

presents its top UK suppliers with recognition awards for their services over the previous

B&M Waste Services, said: “We are absolutely

year. The highly competitive programme

delighted to receive this recognition of

acknowledges the suppliers that have helped

the services that we provide to JLL PAM

JLL PAM UK deliver the highest quality of

UK. The award is a validation of the strong relationships that all our colleagues working

service, value and innovation to its clients.

B&M Waste Services was awarded with the compatibility award, in recognition of the recycling and waste services provided.

One of just three awards presented on

From left: Graeme Knight, Paul Newton and Lucy Wilfan from B&M Waste Services and Ben Tolhurst, head of PAM UK, JLL.

Carbon-neutral B&M Waste Services provides

on this account - from our account managers through to compliance and our drivers - have built up with the team. Knowing that the award is a direct result of their satisfaction

the day, the compatibility award is based

JLL PAM UK sites in the North and Scotland

survey makes it even more significant for

on JLL PAM UK’s quarterly FM satisfaction

regions with all of their waste and recycling

us. We look forward to a long and positive

survey, where B&M was rated highest out of all

services. As a result of working with B&M, JLL

relationship with JLL PAM UK.”

suppliers across the year.

PAM UK North and Scotland divert 100% of

WWW.BANDMWASTE.COM

Axis Group wins UK customer satisfaction award AXIS Group has won a UK customer satisfaction

Having an attractive package of benefits that

award 2020 for its ‘employee engagement

goes beyond the ‘standard’ offer is key to

strategy’. Axis Group’s ‘people strategy’ - which

attracting the best talents in the market and

was launched in 2017 - has nine distinct

maintaining a positive and healthy relationship

business components, all feeding into the

with our existing employees.”

Jo Causon, CEO of the Institute of Customer

central employee engagement and excellent customer service focus. It is now the cornerstone

Service, congratulated all those who entered

of the company’s ethos and integral to Axis’s

the awards at the presentation ceremony:

ongoing goal to become the employer of choice

efforts being recognised and awarded by this

“Every one of you in this room is making such a

within its sector. The strategy is also credited for

exceptional panel of judges. We are extremely

significant difference to your organisation and

the positive impact on staff retention which has

committed to ensure our employees feel

to your customers. You are all at the forefront of

increased year on year.

motivated, committed and empowered to act

pushing boundaries and providing customers

correctly when facing problems, be empathetic,

with the best possible experience.”

and always strive for excellent performance.

WWW.AXIS-GROUPSERVICES.CO.UK

Jonathan Levine, Axis Group CEO, said: “It brings me so much joy to see all our

ISS UK and Ireland success at International Safety Awards ISS business areas and clients are among just

prestigious ISA awards in 2020. We strive

87 organisations to win a distinction in the 2020

to ingrain and maintain a positive safety

International Safety Awards for protecting its

culture at ISS through a strategy of continual

employees from the risk of injury and ill health

improvement. With our ‘#ichoose2Bsafe’ and

at work. Overall, ISS gained a total of 28 awards

‘safety stand-down’ campaigns to remind

with 14 ‘merits’ and three ‘passes’ in addition

everyone to be extra-vigilant on their return

to the 11 ‘distinctions’. The ISS UK HQ, ‘Velocity’

from holidays, through to the safety leader,

in Weybridge, Surrey gained a distinction,

safety hero and mental health first aid roles, we keep a constant focus on safety and wellbeing.

along with clients in industry sectors to include hospitality and food services, telco, hotels,

and work-related ill health during the previous

To say that I’m pleased is an understatement -

financial services, and education.

calendar year. The awards also acknowledge

every day I’m positively delighted by the hard

organisations that have shown commitment to

work by all of our great people at ISS to ensure

wellbeing and mental health at work.

that we can keep to our stated intention to

Now in their 62nd year, the International Safety Awards recognise and celebrate establishments from around the world

Tim Proctor, director of HSEQ and CR, ISS

continuously improve the safety culture for

which have demonstrated to the satisfaction

UK, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the positive

everyone in our organisation in everything they

of the scheme’s independent judges their

results achieved by everyone at ISS to achieve

do, everytime that they do it.”

commitment to preventing workplace injuries

this record number of 11 distinctions in the

WWW.UK.ISSWORLD.COM

12 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

C&M

RCP publishes ‘Love Recycling’ research report THE first snapshot of the findings

Paul Jakeway, head of

from one of the largest ever

marketing for EMEA at Rubbermaid

commercially funded quantitative

Commercial Products, said:

studies into business recycling and

“Businesses across Europe in every

waste management across Europe

sector are already recycling, and

have been published by RCP EMEA.

most state they either want to or

This ground-breaking research

are planning to do more to improve

is the cornerstone of the brand’s

this. But it’s clear there is a lot more

innovative new Love Recycling

that can be done to make waste

initiative, which will continue to

management easier and more

report throughout 2020.

sustainable. Our research highlights a real gap in commercial recycling understanding - there is a real need for education. Commercial enterprise needs help, support and expert advice on how to deal better with its waste, how to train its frontline staff, and how to change

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management are widely regarded

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Recycling is our new, flagship

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front foot. Our aim is to share the

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businesses, large and small, are

raising the profile of recycling in

dealing with their waste - and,

their organisations.”

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Europe’, is now available as a free

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download from www.loverecycling.

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com. A personalised copy of the

in the workplace.

data will also be sent to all survey

Whilst most of the 800+

●

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businesses that have contributed

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so far report having some

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recycling and waste management

RCP will be tracking the trends

policies and practices in place,

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the research points to real

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MAY 2020 13

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25/03/2020 13:46

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

The cleaning sector’s critical role in combatting the spread of COVID-19 Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s heroic response to the challenge posed by COVID-19. effective cleaning schedules and systems, and

emergency services can operate safely during

by promoting advice from the World Health

the outbreak. He said: “Our role in making

Organisation and the NHS about the virus.

sure important premises like holding cells are

Cleaners are often viewed as an ‘invisible

safe and sanitised is crucial at this time. To

workforce’ but during this crisis we’ve seen

ensure these rooms and buildings are cleaned

just how vital the role of the cleaning sector is

sufficiently, we’ve distributed battery powered

to fighting the Coronavirus and protecting the

back-pack sanitisers as well as fogging

health of the nation. I want to thank all those

machines that fill a designated space with a

hard-working cleaners and encourage them in

solution that neutralises every surface inside.

these extremely difficult circumstances. While

We know it’s going to be a slog for the next few

cleaners who are supporting critical services are

months, but we’re prepared and the safety

themselves deemed critical and ‘key workers’,

and wellbeing of our staff and clients is at the

we are calling on the Government to recognise

forefront of our operation.”

all cleaning staff as critical key workers to help

I spoke to Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc, about

them make it into the nation’s workplaces and

the challenges his members were facing, and

Clearly, we are living through extremely difficult

ensure hygiene standards are at the highest

the assistance being given by the institute,

times. The picture relating to the COVID-19

levels, as needed to tackle this virus.”

particularly by way of professional advice.

pandemic changes almost daily, and the impact

Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning,

He said: “Since the outbreak, I have received

on our lives, our liberty, our finances and, most

commented on the unprecedented demand

many calls…one of the most frequently asked

importantly, our health and the health of loved-

this situation is placing on his workforce, but

questions being ‘can you tell me what a deep

ones are extreme. I am updating the Cleaning and

again commended his entire team for their

clean is?’ This is a bit like being asked what

Maintenance website – www.cleaningmag.com

unstinting devotion to duty. He said: “I am not

a spring clean is - it means different things

– daily with latest advice, techniques, products

the only one to say that in a lifetime of working

to different people and therefore is open to

and processes, but I’ve compiled a few of the

in this industry, I have never come across a

interpretation unless a clear specification is

headline stories here as an evolving record of

situation remotely as challenging as COVID-19.

issued by the client! BICSc is continuing to

the cleaning industry’s front-line role in seeing

I know other industries are also going through

freely provide information to our members

the UK through this turmoil as safely and

hell, but there are some major differences with

and the wider public, and quite often we are

quickly as possible.

commercial cleaning. Number one, we are on

noticing that this information is ‘cherry-picked’

the front line, the fourth emergency service

meaning that it is not a true representation of

with a number of leading organisations

as I heard another colleague put it. For us, it

what we have said. We have also been asked by

and businesses and sought comment on

has not been an option to shut up shop and

our members if we have access to certain items

best practice. All of them have one theme

wait until it all blows over. Number two, as a

of PPE. Unfortunately, we are not in a position

in common – recognition of the exceptional

people industry whose staff are highly exposed,

to assist but this clearly shows the fragility of

work being done by cleaning teams across

either through travelling to work or because

the supply chain when certain items have to

the country, in schools, offices, retail outlets,

of their place of work, we have had to manage

be shipped from other countries. Since the

prisons, transport networks…in fact, anywhere

the health and safety of our teams in an

outbreak, I have heard that people who were

that members of the public might come into

unprecedented way, sending them into battle

purchasing PPE previously from manufacturers

contact with this rapidly spreading virus.

(and I don’t think that analogy is overused

overseas are seeing inflated prices! It was

here) kitted out in uniforms we could never

clear from the beginning of this crisis that

Council, said: “The BCC, its members and the

have dreamt of needing and using desanitising

touchpoints were a means of transmission

whole cleaning industry are playing a huge

equipment straight out of Star Wars.”

for the virus, and high traffic areas such as

In compiling this report, I have spoken

Paul Thrupp, chairman of the British Cleaning

part in safeguarding the British population and

Jamie Wright, managing director of

supermarkets and doctors’ surgeries took

ensuring the spread of the virus is restricted

Incentive QAS, focused on the critical role his

too long to increase their cleaning regime to

by supporting robust hygiene practices,

company is undertaking in making sure the

counteract this.”

14 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

Pat Wherton, executive general secretary

few winners. Cleaning will be much higher up

of the Association of Building Cleaning Direct

the corporate agenda as a non-discretionary

Service Providers (ABCD), commented on the challenge faced by local authorities and the direct service teams they frequently employ. She said: “Local authorities are in a unique position of being charged by central government to carry out some of the duties required to support the community, and much of that is falling to our cleaning and FM

We are on the front line, the fourth emergency service as I heard another colleague put it. For us, it has not been an option to shut up shop and wait until it all blows over.

spend to keep employees safe. Cleaning as a topic will be on the agenda of boards and senior management teams in a way it wasn’t before. Some companies will of course continue to see it as a ‘commodity purchase’, but the professional corporate buyer will realise that they need to invest in cleaning for the longterm. The cost of the virus is just too great

managers. For example, many of them are now

to continue with the status quo of a pre-

the coordinators of the distribution of food

Coronavirus era.”

Having been involved in the cleaning sector

parcels to vulnerable people, using cleaning

on and off for two decades, I have always

staff and vehicles to do that. They are also often the central point for distribution of the PPE for

to ensure we can support frontline janitorial

understood the critical and outstanding role

social care providers. Council cleaners are also

staff. In a time of such uncertainty, we have a

cleaning operatives play in keeping the public

being asked to work in care homes to cover for

responsibility to be transparent and open in

safe by ensuring buildings and transport

staff in isolation.”

our communication to customers. Be clear

systems are clean and hygienic. Recognition

with customers on stock level and availability,

for this service has largely been ignored by the

Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott and

changes to delivery dates and lead times. By

public, authorities and even the government.

Sons. He said: “It’s important we understand and

communicating clear and accurate information,

If there is anything positive to emerge from

consider the role we play within the cleaning

your customers can plan accordingly, and find

this awful pandemic it will surely be far

industry and the supply chain as we continue

alternative solutions if needed.”

greater recognition of cleaning operatives,

Looking to the supply chain, I spoke with

and a greater respect for the service they

to manufacture and distribute products that

Looking to the future – in a post-COVID-19

our customers need most. Our role has been

world - Cleanology’s chief executive, Dominic

provide. I congratulate everyone involved in

deemed as an essential service by the UK

Ponniah, said: “Once we get through this

this sector for a performance that is, without

government and it’s crucial for us to continue

crisis, and we will, cleaning will be one of the

exaggeration, heroic.

Problem solved At Prochem, we supply innovative, effective cleaning solutions and equipment for carpets, upholstery and floors to professional users. We also provide comprehensive, industry recognised training for new entrants to the industry and experienced contractors alike. So whatever products, equipment, skills and knowledge you need, get in touch with us and we’ll solve your problem.

020 8974 1515

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sales@prochem.co.uk

www.prochem.co.uk

MAY 2020 15

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF SPECIALIST CLEANERS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS Neil Nixon speaks with Jamie Wright, managing director of Incentive QAS, as he prepares his front-line staff to tackle the COVID-19 virus head-on through enhanced training and the provision of bespoke equipment.

As the UK’s largest independent battery sales and service supplier, the success of ECOBAT Industrial has come as a result of listening to the needs of its customers and offering them effective and efficient solutions that provide the answers they require.

Distributing prominent brands such as TAB, Lucas, Sonnenschein and US Battery and chargers from SPE and Fronius across the industrial sector, the company has also built its reputation by providing its customers with a level of service that reaches far beyond just battery sales.

Through this process, which is applied across all aspects of its business, ECOBAT Industrial is able deliver on its sales, support and innovation ethos.

The demand for commercial

for specific premises. As well as

cleaning in offices and police

ensuring all staff members were

and fire stations has increased

given full personal protective

substantially in a bid to tackle

equipment, the company also

COVID-19. Incentive QAS, the

secured a number of pallets

contract cleaning arm of Incentive

of hand sanitiser that were

FM Group, has expanded its

immediately made available for its

training operation to meet the new

large client base to protect critical

demand for professional cleaning

workers and commercial staff

in community-critical buildings.

across the country.

With significant contracts across the south east with police forces and fire stations, Incentive QAS has taken the decision to upgrade the company equipment to ensure the safety of its staff and clients. With the virus affecting police station holding cells, the requests for deep cleans with industry leading equipment and chemicals has never been greater.

Jamie Wright, managing director

Jamie Wright added: “Our

of Incentive QAS, said: “The demand

role in making sure important

for pre-emptive cleans and deep

premises like holding cells are

cleans in fire stations, custody

safe and sanitised is crucial at this

suites and commercial buildings

time. To ensure these rooms and

has increased significantly. The

buildings are cleaned sufficiently,

COVID-19 pandemic has meant

we’ve distributed battery powered

that lots of our clients are ordering

back-pack sanitisers as well

more services from us, and we’re

as fogging machines that fill a

training more and more staff to be

designated space with a solution

WWW.ECOBATINDUSTRIAL.TECH

able to deliver this. The safety of

that neutralises every surface

our specialists and our clients is

inside. We know it’s going to be a

Worlds largest producer of lead (840,000 tonnes/p.a.)

Over 3,500 skilled employees QM system certified to quality standard ISO9001 ISO18001

the top priority, so we’re following

slog for the next few months, but

all the public health guidelines and

we’re prepared and the safety and

have brought in even more bespoke

wellbeing of our staff and clients is

equipment in order to hit this hard.”

at the forefront of our operation.”

Incentive QAS published

cleaning arm of the Incentive FM

and a best practice protocol

Group, servicing leading blue chip

for its 1000 staff across the UK,

locations, multi-tenanted offices

underlining the appropriate

and community-critical buildings.

solutions and equipment needed

www.incentive-qas.com

16 MAY 2020 20190513_C&M-265x87_SSI-Support (1).indd 1

Incentive QAS is the contract

emergency COVID-19 guidelines

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM 07/04/2020 15:45:19

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

‘Extraordinary’ role of cleaners praised in Parliament Boris Johnson paid tribute in Parliament recently to the ‘extraordinary’ role of cleaners during the Coronavirus crisis. The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has welcomed the supportive comments and is repeating its call for cleaners to be recognised as essential ‘critical or key workers’ due to the vital need to maintain high hygiene standards during the pandemic.

The Prime Minister was taking part in Prime Minister’s Questions when Jeremy Corbyn praised the ‘unsung heroes’ of the public

Paul Thrupp, chairman of the BCC

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COVID-19 strategy planning at Exclusive Businesses worldwide are strategy planning to cope with the Coronavirus outbreak and the cleaning sector is no exception. Jim Melvin, group chief executive at Exclusive Services Group, summarises the steps that his company has taken through its emergency response team (ERT) to manage the concerns of its clients and communities.

sector who ‘keep us safe’ during the outbreak.

sanitised and safe premises and environments.

He went on to add: “I’d like to pay special

Our regular day to day cleaning staff and our

mention to one group that are hugely ignored,

specialist and periodical industrial and window

forgotten and decried as unskilled workers –

cleaning staff all have a major part in improving

cleaners. All around the country and in this

the environmental hygiene of the UK. Even in

building, (they) are doing their best to keep

lockdown, premises and particularly education,

our places hygienic and safe.”

retail, healthcare establishments and care

Seasonal illnesses are precisely that.

The Prime Minister said: “I agree with him

homes will require more frequent sanitisation

Exclusive Group’s monthly Virus Spotlight

very much about what he said about cleaners,

regimes at what may well be a premium time

report monitors them. In December 2019

they do an extraordinary job and they deserve

to do so. Our cleaning staff throughout the UK

it highlighted the transmission rates of an

all the protection and support we can give

have the expertise, training and knowledge

outbreak in Wuhan, China whose specified

them in this difficult time.”

to carry out sanitisation, hygiene, clinical or

mortality rate gave cause for concern.

Paul Thrupp, chairman of the BCC, said:

decontamination cleans so it is essential that

“Everyone in the cleaning sector will be

the workforce are kept available by being

thrilled to see that our vital work is being

identified as ‘critical or key workers’ by the

recognised by the country’s leading figures.

Prime Minister and the British Government.”

All too often, the role of cleaners is invisible

He continued: “Additionally, our cleaning

and forgotten yet our work couldn’t be more

product suppliers need to remain at work to

important, particularly now in the fight against

provide the consumables and products to

Coronavirus, and this reinforces our call for

clean with, from wipes and paper products, to

cleaners to be given essential ‘critical or key

disinfectants, sanitisers and cleaning products

worker’ status due to the need for high hygiene

in general. And our machinery and equipment

standards during the pandemic.”

providers need to produce and supply specialist

Jim Melvin

By February, a greater understanding of the

cleaning equipment that our staff can use. The

issues faced and the longer-term concerns

started to take hold, Paul Thrupp wrote: “As we

cleaning industry represents five per cent of

for staff and client communities prompted

navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together as

the UK workforce and if we do not identify our

the establishment of an emergency response

an industry, it is my duty to keep you informed

people as ‘critical or key workers’ then hygiene in

team (ERT) operating out of our Hatfield

about how the British Cleaning Council is

the UK will drop with the effect that the virus may

HQ and in line with our business continuity

campaigning to ensure that people within our

flourish. Support the BCC and all its members

plan. The ERT draws in the skills of Exclusive

industry are viewed as essential ‘critical or

and keep our people at work maintaining the

Group’s operations, training, HR, supply

key workers’ who are needed more than ever

hygiene of the country and providing vital

chain, and H&S resources, reporting to a

to ensure we not only maintain but elevate

sanitisation services. On behalf of the BCC, may I

senior emergency response team (SERT)

hygiene standards in the UK in order to come

thank you for your support in these difficult times

made up of group board members.

out of this crisis quicker. The BCC and its

as with your support our staff can carry on with

members have the staff, products, equipment

their invaluable work in order that together we

teams’ over-riding and primary objective is

and machinery to reduce the risk to human

can defeat this awful disease.”

the safety and security of our staff, followed

health by providing and maintaining clean,

www.britishcleaningcouncil.org

by resources, materials and equipment,

In an open letter issued as the outbreak

Guided by its 10-point plan, the response

Continued on Page 18.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 17

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

Henry provides a helping hand Normally known for its vacuum cleaners – particularly the world-famous Henry and Hetty tub vacs - Numatic has urgently re-tasked research and development teams, production specialists and manufacturing teams to work across projects in support of the response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Numatic teams have been working around the clock to provide support to the Government and the NHS, including the development and provision of face masks, face shields and offering the free loan of cleaning equipment for NHS cleaners.

Simon Lawson, managing director of Numatic International, said: “I cannot thank the team enough here at Numatic for their efforts in getting an additional product into production, in unprecedented times, for our NHS.” www.numaticsupport.com

Continued from Page 17. payroll and financial planning. Working closely in conjunction with the British Cleaning Council and the CSSA (Cleaning and Support Services Association) and following the advice of the NHS and WHO, the Exclusive ERT sought to reach out to colleagues and associations in Italy, Spain and Singapore in order to establish what lessons could be learned from their experiences, with replies gained from Singapore.

The Exclusive Learning and Development Centre in Swindon has produced dedicated Coronavirus H&S training resources including videos to assist with signage comprehension for those whose primary language is not English.

and financials projected and revised, notably

conferencing. We will also now be discussing

Pool machinery and materials stocks were

in terms of ensuring transparency of service

and reviewing remote social functions that we

reviewed and buffer stock increased where

costs as requisite spend levels were amended in

can assist with.

appropriate and feasible.

advance of site deep cleans.

Every employee was emailed the ERT’s

In addition to planning for staff mental health

On topic, the irony that the UK plans the potential removal of key workers involved in the

agreed approach to the virus challenge in the

and overall wellbeing, Exclusive ERT ensured

fight against the pandemic cannot and must

form of our H&S Monthly Spotlight document

that staff have safe transportation and access

not be ignored. The number of foreign nationals

and a ‘Four-tier approach to deep cleaning’.

to site while establishing remote working

working in London is over 60%: hard-working

Colleagues aged 69 or older (some may have a

procedures where practicable.

people currently classed as low-skilled migrant

birthday during the pandemic) and those with

The pandemic has brought communities

workers. In the face of revised immigration

known respiratory concerns were contacted

together: acts of kindness include individuals

proposals, by 2021 some may not be allowed to

individually to share their own concerns.

signing up as NHS volunteers. Exclusive Services

work in this country.

Given it is often forgotten that cleaning staff

Group has team members already signed up to

Ultimately, the strategic sharing of knowledge

are also subject to being struck down, the

this cause and, in some cases, local charities and

and understanding via ERT planning assists in

ERT ensured the company obtained as much

the company will recognise those who assist.

bringing much needed clarity and reassurance

personal protection equipment and materials

Close to home, the company has worked to

for all concerned in a time of pandemic. It also

as possible, understanding that a huge

assist three dementia care homes located near

asserts the key role played by cleaning and

percentage had been a compulsory purchase

its offices in Hatfield, Wokingham and Swindon.

hygiene staff in the fight against COVID-19 and

for the NHS.

Care home patients are particularly vulnerable to

how we may have to rethink our perspective

the virus - it felt the right thing to do.

of these people and their real value to us. After

Guidelines were re-set to ensure training and compliance enabled staff to work safely and in

We are also working with our own team on

all, consider how London would manage if this

partnership with client teams; process hygiene

mental health and awareness with regular

pandemic had happened in 2022.

and work practice concerns were re-evaluated;

management calls, conference calls and video

www.exclusivecontracts.co.uk

18 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

Looking forward Cleanology’s chief executive, Dominic Ponniah, looks at an extraordinary month as the effects of the Coronavirus crisis took hold - and looks ahead to when it will eventually end.

It is hard to believe that just a month ago,

clients operational and safe as possible. We

completely disregarded. Having spoken with

the cleaning industry was celebrating

went from a period of being inundated with

numerous competitors across the industry,

success at the Golden Service Awards.

disinfection cleans in mid-March, to having

everyone says the same thing - that the

And today we are on the front line of a

90% of the buildings we serve closed just 10

‘normal rules of engagement’ don’t seem to

war against a virus. It brings everything

days later. The speed with which this health,

apply in these unprecedented times. Surely

into perspective, that for all the power,

and now economic, emergency has struck

this is the time that they matter more than

money and success in the world, we are all

has been alarming to say the least.

any other.

vulnerable humans and cannot yet control a

There will be cleaning businesses that sadly

Once we get through this crisis, and we

little known virus called COVID-19. We are all

don’t come through this crisis, as the cashflow

will, cleaning will be one of the few winners.

in the same boat and nobody is out of reach.

implications are so severe for an industry where

Cleaning will be much higher up the corporate

We are all equal when it comes to COVID-19.

typically 80% of cost is labour. Our businesses

agenda as a non-discretionary spend to keep

and lives are currently in the hands of the

employees safe. Cleaning as a topic will be on

us a business, being on the front line of the fight

government’s furlough scheme. If there are any

the agenda of boards and senior management

against Coronavirus. Cleaning has been put

problems or delays with this scheme, literally

teams in a way it wasn’t before. Some

firmly on the news agenda, and having been

thousands of jobs will disappear within days.

companies will of course continue to see it as

invited to film by Sky News, brought home the

The longer the lockdown continues, the more

a ‘commodity purchase’, but the professional

fact that cleaning has never had such a high

this will be the case, both within the industry

corporate buyer will realise that they need to

profile, at least in my 20-year career.

and beyond.

invest in cleaning for the long-term. The cost of

I have been proud to watch our industry, and

We have carried out dozens of preventative

Despite most clients holding contracts

the virus is just too great to continue with the

cleans and our teams have been working

with their cleaning contractors, clients

status quo of a pre-Coronavirus era.

around the clock to keep as many of our

believe those contracts can be suspended or

www.cleanology.com

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 19

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

Management software: an unlikely hero of the COVID-19 pandemic Rick Stoor, managing director at Templa, explains how the flexibility of management software has helped contractors through the turmoil of shifting staff levels during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Just as COVID-19 has brought out the best in the staff of cleaning contractors, business management software has helped contractors deal with challenges thrown at the industry by the pandemic. At Templa, we have not only helped contractors get the best out of existing functionality to handle COVID-19-related tasks, we have responded to completely new pandemic-related demands on contractors by delivering rapid software enhancements.

An example of existing functionality that has come into its own is the integrated design of our TemplaCMS workforce management software.

The continuous transfer of operatives between sites in order to cover absence, staff deep cleans and respond to revised service levels, has a major effect on timesheets and pay. This challenge has been made easier for contractors using TemplaCMS enhanced functionality to re-roster staff

is also a direct impact on revenues, so we have additionally provided

from one location to another, taking with them their pay rates and holiday

automation to enable proportionate contract billing, where an agreed

entitlements, as well as automatically updating time and attendance

percentage payment has been negotiated with a contractor’s clients.

systems, timesheets and creating consolidated payslips to reflect

Templa is now on standby to respond to HMRC’s information

the changes. It has been particularly helpful to contractors who have

requirements, when issued, for claiming refunds on furloughed pay.

networked their HR, payroll and admin staff to work from home, meaning

Templa will be liaising with contractors to assist with the extract of

that both they and their field managers can continue to use TemplaCMS

information they need to support the HMRC requirements of a claim,

remotely and unhindered without having to worry about meetings, emails

including employees, furlough periods, pay rates and hours worked,

and phone calls to carry out the hundreds of adjustments.

reconciled to each pay run, site and employee.

Templa has also reacted promptly to support contractors through the

Of course, it is entirely appropriate that we should be able to support

furlough process, installing enhancements within TemplaCMS timesheets

contractors in this way, allowing them to focus on dealing with the day-

to automatically calculate furloughed staff pay based on the government’s

to-day challenge of COVID-19. What we are proud of, however, is how the

Job Retention Scheme rules, rather than having to individually update

underlying structure of our software allows us to make these changes in a

each member of staff - again, a major chore across hundreds and

way that is difficult to replicate with non-integrated systems.

thousands of staff. Whilst the payment of wages is receiving support, there

www.templacms.co.uk

Free White Paper offers guidance on cleaning during Coronavirus pandemic Due to the global pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019

to mitigate the spread of infection,” said Matt Hayas, global product

(COVID-19), Hydro Systems, a leader in chemical dispensing equipment,

manager, Hydro Systems. “Our free white paper provides insight on

software and services, has published an educational white paper:

promoting health and wellness through cleaning, disinfecting and

‘Dispensing cleanliness during an outbreak or pandemic’. The white

sanitising, while also outlining the effective role chemical dispensers

paper discusses the current state of the pandemic, cleaning best

can play before, during and after an outbreak.”

practices and the benefits of using chemical

Ideal for facility managers and cleaning professionals,

dispensing systems to combat an outbreak. The

Hydro’s white paper outlines strategies for dealing with

white paper is available for download at: https://

the current pandemic, as well as preparing for future

hydrosystemsco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/

outbreaks. It emphasises the importance of using the

Coronavirus-White-Paper_U.S._FINAL.pdf.

right cleaning chemicals and tools and also discusses

“From schools to hotels to office buildings, every

dispensing system best practices, including how to

facility...has been impacted by COVID-19 in some

select, install and maintain the system for years to come.

shape or form and now requires frequent cleaning

www.hydrosystemseurope.com

20 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

Sodexo sets out COVID-19 strategy Sodexo has reaffirmed its commitment

respect and support for their continued

to its clients, consumers, suppliers, and

commitment. We want to support our

employees in the 67 countries in which the

employees through these extraordinary times

company operates, to combat the health,

and we are clear in our commitment to this.

economic and social fallout from COVID-19.

The new Sodexo Employee Relief Program will

Everywhere, the health and safety of

i-mop plays critical role at Nightingale Hospital

be used to do just that - support those who are

employees and consumers is Sodexo’s

most affected by the COVID-19 crisis. It is the

top priority. From the very first signs of the

right thing to do.”

December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China,

C&M

The global programme will be administered

Sodexo began mobilising its resources to

locally according to the specific needs of each

ensure its consumers stayed safe and healthy

country and support provided will depend

and that its business continued to operate for

on various factors, including the existence of

its clients:

government social protection schemes. This

• Sodexo is on the front line with healthcare

€30 million programme will be funded by senior

Recent studies are suggesting that COVID-19

professionals and patients everywhere: the

executives and the company as follows:

can live on floors and soles of shoes for up

95,000 Sodexo employees working in hospitals,

• Sodexo chairwoman of the board of directors,

to eight days. This means the cleanliness

senior residences and in areas of public

Sophie Bellon, will waive 50% of her

of floors is paramount and should not

administration under strain, are fully mobilised

remuneration over the coming six months.

be overlooked, especially in a medical

• Group CEO, Denis Machuel, will waive 50%

environment like the new Nightingale

and have been supported by additional team members from sites with lower activity; and

of his fixed remuneration over the next six

Hospital being opened today at London’s

in China, with strongly reinforced health

months as well as his variable remuneration

Excel Exhibition Centre.

measures, Sodexo staff were on the front line to

for Fiscal 2020.

support healthcare professionals and patients in the hospitals of Wuhan.

• Sodexo has ensured continuity of its operations according to local circumstances:

• Group executive committee members will

Killis has supplied the i-mop to the site, offering cleaning up to 70% faster than

give up 10% of their fixed remuneration over

conventional wet mopping. ATP testing also

the coming six months as well as their annual

confirms that i-mop’s twin counter-rotating

variable remuneration.

brushes deep scrub for 90% cleaner surfaces

• The 200 senior executives from all segments

compared to conventional mopping, making

pandemic’s economic impact by adapting

and operations around the world will also

it ideal for cleaning floors in medical settings

its operational management. This included

waive their annual variable remuneration.

during the current pandemic.

Sodexo immediately responded to the

closing down sites, lowering service frequency

Sophie Bellon said: “Our teams are our most

Killis is supporting the NHS by making

precious asset. In adversity, they demonstrate

disease prevention amongst patients and

the strength of our values and their

workers more effective, more efficient and

people whose workplaces have closed to

professionalism without fail. I want to highlight

safer and has dedicated time to train ISS

other sites urgently requiring additional

my support and express my gratitude to them

cleaning operatives on the frontline at the

team members.

during these particularly difficult times.”

ExCel Centre. The training was conducted

and cancelling or postponing some services.

• Whenever possible, Sodexo reassigned its

• To date, almost 4000 employees, primarily

Sodexo CEO, Denis Machuel, said: “Since

between Monday 30 March and Thursday 2

in North America and in Europe, have been

the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, our

April by equipment and training specialist,

reassigned to hospitals and retirement homes,

employees have been exemplary under often

George Hill. This was delivered onsite at

which urgently required additional staff.

difficult conditions, serving our clients and

the ExCel Centre. George Hill said: “Being

consumers around the world, and I want to pay

involved in the training side of things I feel

business sectors like retailers, e-commerce and

a huge tribute to them. This unprecedented

deeply connected to the staff and we are

manufacturing firms to find jobs for employees

crisis highlights the major role played by the

taking every measure possible to ensure

hit by the COVID-19 economic fallout, who

service industry and our people in the global

the space stays consistently safe and sterile.

cannot be placed with other clients.

campaign to fight the virus. We are making

Listening to the level of communication and

• Sodexo is working proactively with other

Sean Haley, region chair, Sodexo UK and

every effort to support our employees, clients,

teamwork within the networks has been

Ireland, said: “As we navigate the uncertainties

consumers and suppliers as much as possible.

inspiring. It is amazing to see everyone

of the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus is on the

The Employee Relief Program allows us to

uniting at such a difficult time and we would

health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues.

address the individual needs of the most

like to thank everyone involved in supporting

Many continue to work supporting critical

vulnerable affected by this once-in-a-lifetime

the NHS.”

sites, delivering vital services that support the

global crisis.”

www.killis.co.uk

national effort, and they all have our utmost

www.sodexo.com

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 21

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

Call for the government to draft in window cleaners to fight virus The nation’s window cleaners should

public outside areas such as outside food shops

councils, but thousands of the nation’s window

be employed in a nationwide rolling

which have stayed open and hospitals, in high

cleaners do. With the country in such a crisis,

programme of sanitisation to fight the

streets and at car parks and bus, tram and

we have to think outside the box and use all the

Coronavirus, according to the Federation of

underground stops.

resources at our disposal to fight Coronavirus.”

Window Cleaners (FWC). The FWC is calling

Andrew Lee, chairman and safety officer at

for the government to launch an initiative

the FWC and MD at J A Lee, said: “I think this is

Window Cleaning, said: “We could provide

like the schemes operated by other

a great idea and a great opportunity for FWC

a sanitisation programme in preparation for

countries to disinfect problem areas during

members and the industry to contribute to the

re-opening of sites. It would be great for seating

the pandemic.

country’s response to COVID-19. I know my own

areas, doors, balustrades, smoking areas - any

company has these resources.”

open or public spaces.”

The virus can live on surfaces such as door

David Saville, operations director at Principle

Scott Smith, MD, Smiths Services, said: “I

handles and street furniture for some time,

Paul Thrupp, FWC executive member and

meaning people can be at risk of catching it

director for retail destinations at OCS, said: “A

think this is good news and a good opportunity

every time they touch something outside their

national sanitisation programme employing

for window cleaners to play their part in helping

home. The industry body for window cleaners

window cleaners could play a major role

beat this virus.”

says that the thousands of colleagues who have

in defeating Coronavirus and saving lives.

van mounted, backpack or trolly water-fed pole

Other countries have launched sanitisation

Services, said: “It would be great if we could

systems have the right kit needed to do the job.

programmes and we strongly believe that the UK

supply an essential service like this to help

should use this approach as well. The Army does

protect NHS and work towards a cleaner, safer

councils to pay and coordinate local window

not have the equipment to spray disinfectant

working world.”

cleaners to regularly spray disinfectant in key

in the quantities needed and neither do local

www.f-w-c.co.uk

The FWC wants the government to fund

Michael Lamont, MD, Lamont’s Cleaning

Specialist cleaners protecting London during the lockdown As the country remains in lockdown, there’s

cleaning company is well prepared for the

including sterile disposable overalls, hats,

a team of specialists heading out amongst

current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic as it is

masks, gloves, and protective footwear.

the uncertainty, working to keep London

used to disinfecting spaces following infection

One area where Total Clean’s specialist

clean in this trying time. Total Clean, based

outbreaks. To combat the outbreak, it has been

cleaners are making a particularly targeted

in central London, has a team of trained

responding to properties where there has been

effort to reduce the impact of the COVID-19

specialist cleaners working throughout

contact with the COVID-19 coronavirus by using

coronavirus is with residential and domestic

the city to disinfect and fog commercial,

its professional machinery to fog the area.

deep cleans. Deep cleans are usually utilised

residential and public sector properties

“By using a conjunction of the latest fogging

in large commercial and public sector

which may have been exposed to the

practices and deep cleaning expertise, we are

properties such as medical practices, offices,

Covid-19 coronavirus.

able to confidently take the fight to this unseen

schools, hospitals, and shops. However, as the

enemy and eliminate it with great efficacy,”

nationwide lockdown has led to more and more

continued Garcia.

people working from home and staying indoors,

Managing director of Total Clean, Carlos Garcia, says the current situation is out of the ordinary but that his team is well equipped for a situation like

Fogging is an efficient process of deep

deep cleans of residential and domestic properties are becoming more necessary.

this: “We have several years of experience working

cleaning entire rooms with difficult to reach

with clinical establishments and minimising cross-

spaces. It’s also very effective at eradicating

contamination, so we are maximising our support

germs from porous surfaces such as tiled

been exposed to coronavirus can enlist deep

across the nation in this time of need.”

ceilings, carpets, soft furnishings, upholstery,

cleaning services to eradicate all traces of the virus

and children’s play areas. The mechanical

from the surfaces of their homes. And the cleaning

providing specialist cleaning solutions across

fogging process is used to ensure coverage of

won’t stop when they leave your home - Garcia is

London and nationally, a situation such as this

the entire area. This specialised machinery

making sure that their professional standards of

is, of course, is unprecedented and very out

produces a fine mist which sprays the sterilising

clean can be kept up after the specialists leave:

of the norm. “Our usual deep cleans tend to

fluid throughout the air. This approach means

“We want to ensure everyone can continue to

form part of a planned maintenance plan and

that not only is the airborne virus killed, but the

clean their homes, and in particular the high-risk

are carried out at set intervals, but what we

virus particles which have settled on surfaces in

touch-points of their homes, long after we’ve left.”

have seen recently with the heightened risk of

the fogged area are also killed.

But, despite having over 30 years of experience

Covid-19 cases, is our clients are looking for a

The specialist cleaners are taking the utmost

People who suspect their homes may have

So, as part of their professional standard deep clean and fogging services for residential homes,

more reactive and increased frequency in their

care to ensure the safety of staff and of its

Total Clean is leaving behind complimentary

deep clean requirements to afford their staff,

clients to reduce the spread of this dangerous

home deep cleaning packs which include

clients and families a safer working and home

virus during its work to eradicate COVID-19.

specialist cleaning agents, cleaning cloths, hand

environment,” said Garcia.

This is achieved by making sure that all staff are

sanitiser, and clinical wipes.

equipped with personal protective equipment

www.totalclean.co.uk

However, Garcia is confident that the specialist 22 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

BICSc

C&M

The origins of quarantine QUARANTINE first appeared at the

from a solid yellow flag to a quadrant

beginning of the 14th century.

of four squares (two black and

It started ‘to protect coastal

(but not immure yourself), not answer the door (especially to doctors), jealously guard your hoard

two yellow).

of food and water, and ignore all pleas for help’.

Spanish Flu

Apollo 11

cities from plague epidemics’.

Any ship that arrived in Venice from an infected port had a

In 1918 a strain of influenza,

Quarantine measures were taken for the crew of

mandatory 40-day wait before

known as the Spanish flu, spread

Apollo 11 when they returned to earth after their

being allowed to land. The

around the world and became

mission to the moon. They were placed within a

word quarantine ‘was derived

the deadliest pandemic ever

mobile quarantine facility (MQF). ‘Its purpose was

from the Italian words quaranta giorni’, which

seen. 10% of all patients died from the flu. The

to prevent the unlikely spread of lunar contagions

means 40 days’.

estimated number of dead worldwide was 100

by isolating the astronauts from contact with other

million. The flu infected a range of young, old, sick,

people’. The astronauts spent a total of 88 hours

plague, which had killed 20 million Europeans. The

The quarantine was in response to the black

and healthy. It is thought that one-third of the

within the MQF while it was transported to a NASA

initial period of quarantine was 40 days which was

world’s population was affected by the Spanish flu.

Lunar Receiving Laboratory. The astronauts then

soon reduced to 30 days - trentinario - however, the original name for 40 days was still used.

During the 18th and 19th century, ships were

To combat the spread of the Spanish flu, ‘officials in some communities imposed

moved into more spacious quarantine facilities where they spent 21 days in quarantine.

quarantines, ordered citizens to wear masks

placed under quarantine and had to raise a yellow

and shut down public places, including schools,

Modern quarantine

flag during the day and shine a light at night until

churches and theatres. People were advised to

The main goal of modern quarantine is ‘to reduce

it was safe for them to dock. The quarantine flags

avoid shaking hands and to stay indoors, libraries

transmission by increasing the ‘social distance’

are still flown to this day and ‘flown from a ship

put a halt on lending books and regulations were

between persons - that is, reducing the number of

that is either arriving in port with known serious

passed banning spitting’. People were told ‘your

people with whom each person comes into contact’.

health problems, or that has been placed under

best chance of survival was to be utterly selfish’.

quarantine by the local port authorities’. The

Assuming that you had a place you could call

appearance of the flag slightly changed, going

home, the optimal strategy was to stay there

The following key principles of modern quarantine ensure that it strikes the appropriate Continued on Page 32.

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WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 23

C&M BCC COLUMN

Public loos - could relief be in sight?

Raymond Martin, managing director of the British Toilet Association, reports.

THE provision of standalone public toilets has been decimated over the last 10 years or so but, as I write this, it looks as if the tide could finally be turning.

During the years of austerity, local councils were forced to cut their discretionary spending on public loos and, as a result, we currently estimate around 50% were closed, with an extremely adverse effect on the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

The British Toilet Association (BTA) has spent years working with our ‘corporate champions’ - Healthmatic and Danfo UK - and colleagues such as the MHCLG and NALC to lobby ministers and government departments about this vexing issue. So, we were thrilled when all of that hard work appeared to have paid off in October 2018, when the Chancellor’s budget statement included new legislation - the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill 2019-21 - to provide rates relief for all public toilets. This additional funding would greatly benefit and support local authorities and suppliers to upgrade and provide additional support for these essential services and infrastructure.

Unfortunately, there was a major hiccup in September 2019 when the Prime Minister prorogued Parliament, resulting in the Bill being dropped. However, with our continued

lobbying, we have managed to get the Bill re-introduced and, in early April, it was with the PM and the House of Commons getting another reading.

Let’s hope it is law by the time you read this.

It could not be better timed, with Covoid-19 sweeping our country and the constant insistence of senior politicians and chief medical officers that we wash our hands in hot water and with soap. Public washrooms have always been a significant piece of infrastructure in our fight for increased levels of hygiene. The simple fact is that it’s everyone’s human right to have access to sanitation, clean facilities and water. The BTA continues to promote public toilets for every citizen’s health and well-being, social inclusion, equality rights, and both public dignity and decency.

This country also has over 11 million persons on the Disability Register, all of whom require reasonable and immediate access to toilet facilities so they can function as part of their own communities. Over 10 million people in the UK, over the age of 55, suffer with severe or chronic bowel conditions that require them to visit a toilet, often at very short notice.

They are also instrumental in supporting commercial businesses in our local high streets and town centres by allowing us to travel

further from home to visit cities, towns and villages and the wealth of historic and visitor attractions across the UK. Everyone using our transport network - lorry drivers, bus and taxi drivers, sales representatives, caravaners, commuters, tourists, and even social drivers just like you and me - should be able to quickly and easily access a decent clean public toilet.

With the increasing fight against drugs and anti-social activities in public places, we at the BTA are working with providers and suppliers to make sure these units are kept clean and fit for purpose. We’re not averse to exploring the introduction of paddle gates and CCTV and the charging of a modest fee to ensure the cleanest and safest facilities.

Ultimately, we want the government to take a serious look at the lack of public places for us all to use and give local authorities and commercial providers the legal guidance and the funding to retain and hopefully reopen and upgrade these vital amenities.

Our mission is now to work with this government to tackle the problems faced because of the historic closures and to work closely with colleagues to formulate future planning on the provision of clean public washrooms and the ways we can improve our public hygiene and sanitary conditions.

The BTA is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of council members are their own.

The Professional Independent Registered Trade Association for

Window Cleaning Membership offers numerous quality benefits IOSH Accredited Safety Training Safety Accredited Member (SAM) Procurement Scheme Secure online store at: https://www.windowcleaning.org.uk/ Federation of Window Cleaners Tel: 0161 432 8754 - Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk – Web: www.f-w-c.co.uk

24 MAY 2020

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A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M

In praise of contract cleaning Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports.

I am not the only one to say that in a lifetime of working in this industry, I have never come across a situation remotely as challenging as CV-19. I know other industries are also going through hell, but there are some major differences with commercial cleaning.

Number one, we are on the front line, the fourth emergency service as I heard another colleague put it. For us, it has not been an option to shut up shop and wait until it all blows over. Number two, as a people industry whose staff are highly exposed, either through travelling to work or because of their place of work, we have had to manage the health and safety of our teams in an unprecedented way, sending them into battle (and I don’t think that analogy is overused here) kitted out in uniforms we could never have dreamt of needing and using desanitising equipment straight out of Star Wars. Deep cleaning teams have even featured on the front page of The Independent - so shocking have been the images! The one thing we can say about cleaning, however, is that as an industry we will return to full strength, intact and at greater speed, in a way that some industries may not, thinking about aviation, restaurants and a few others.

In all the turmoil, there has been some heart-warming positivity, with three areas standing out. First has been the resilience of staff. I’m sure I speak for all companies when I say that our front-line operatives and supervisors have shown immense bravery, with virtually no-one failing to attend shifts simply because they were afraid. Then there are our field managers out there supporting their teams and our HR, payroll and admin teams working 24/7. I had to salute the ingenuity of managers at DOC who purchased a consignment of what I can only refer to as ‘granny’ shopping trolleys to make it easier for our deep cleaning teams to carry their emergency kits, sterilising solutions and PPE into buildings!

Second has been the way technology has helped us through the crisis. Video conferencing and chat, WhatsApp groups, VPNs to support home working, and of course

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WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

the simple power of global texting to thank staff, reassure them and reinforce guidance on staying safe. In our case we are lucky enough to be using a staff engagement app that makes important documents accessible to all staff via their smartphones, enabling us to alert them via text when new documents have been posted. The thought of managing through this crisis in the absence of mobile technology is quite unimaginable.

Lastly, I must mention the client response. Speaking to colleagues, it is clear there are cleaning contractors out there, 90% of whose clients have closed down their operations, leading to some very difficult discussions about contractual terms. The situation varies between contractors working in the state funded sector - schools, colleges, local authorities - and those working in the private commercial sector. Not every discussion has had a successful outcome, but on the whole it appears that clients are taking the view that when this crisis ends, there will be an urgent need for deep cleaning followed by a swift ramping up of operations. They understand that as contractors, we cannot simply lay off staff and re-recruit in a few months’ time. Many contractors I speak to have reached agreement with clients to cover their overheads, whilst front-line staff are furloughed under the Government’s Staff Retention Scheme.

As a last thought this month, it is gratifying to see the way the industry has pulled together, not just nationally, but globally, to share advice and discuss best practice on defeating CV-19. I have rarely spent so much time in conversation with colleagues outside our company and I would be delighted, when we see the back of CV-19, if we can continue the spirit of cooperation to address other challenges facing our industry that for the time being have, quite rightly, been put on hold.

WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM

CHSA compliant

MAY 2020 25

C&M

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Now is the time for action Michelle Iland, marketing and events executive at BICSc, reports.

BEFORE we delve into why training and

we consciously shared knowledge and

‘Why do we have to be taught how to clean, I’ve

education is so important for our industry, let’s

offered guidance. We will continue to do this

been doing it for years - we have always done it

just take a moment to think of those who have

throughout this challenging time, although

this way?’

lost their lives to Coronavirus, and to those who

in these times of conflicting information, the

are working tirelessly to get us through these

institute usually recommends best practice

the buy-in from staff. Everyone wants to

the strangest of times.

which, by its very nature, is liable to change as

maximise the return on their investments, and

we learn more.

training should not be overlooked as it is a

Here we are in the middle of an epidemic

Never underestimate the importance of

necessary expense.

- the BBC has reported that COVID-19 in just three months has infected more than 1 million

Learning, training, education, and

people and has claimed the lives of more than

development – the difference

knowledge base that underpins any other

100,000 people across the globe (this being the

Let’s talk about the difference between learning,

activities the individual may engage in at a

estimated number on 12 April).

training, education and development. As we all

later stage. Training is not as general and tends

know, knowledge can (in some cases) be locked

to concentrate on skills development, and

now closed, a large majority of the team have

up within the minds of colleagues/employees

this most certainly applies to BICSc training.

been furloughed, and with a few of us still

(some do not like to share). No matter what

Development allows both activities to be

working we are using this time to support the

the role is, knowledge and the skillset of our

integrated. Development includes education

industry and develop training for the future.

individual team members determines the

and training as well as a range of other activities

success of our organisations. Managers need to

- coaching, looking, listening, and mentoring.

The BICSc office and BBS Training Suite are

As the Coronavirus hit us hard in March, we

In simple terms, education provides a

Learning is the outcome of both training-led

started to receive a large number of calls from

understand this otherwise the performance of

our membership and the public, the most

the company overall will be jeopardised. Let’s

and education-led approaches to development

commonly asked questions were:

look at the exact definition of these terms.

yet learning itself is complex. There is much

• What chemicals can you recommend to kill the virus?

• Do you offer training courses for deep cleaning?

• Can you tell us what to do?

Sometimes they are not understood in accordance with their literal definitions. This will cause problems when you come to develop

more than just transferring knowledge or information from the trainer to the candidate.

I asked our CEO, Stan Atkins, for his

your employees as the inability to match your

thoughts. He said: “The cleaning industry

training, learning or development objectives

is not recognised as an industry in its own

with the right programme will not only result

right. This is a situation that is no longer

connected to all of the above. There are no

in you wasting valuable time, but also wasting

acceptable as the current pandemic has

short answers here - we do not have a quick

money, and can undermine your credibility in

highlighted. The latest British Cleaning

fix where accredited training is concerned as

the eyes of your employees.

Council Research Report (2020) indicates a

Of course, training and education is

combined workforce of 1,635,000 working

this would go against everything we stand

We have all heard the moans from those who

for. However, we understood why we were

do not like change: ‘Oh no, not another training

across the cleaning industry/public health.

being asked and, with advice from experts,

course’. And the most popular in our industry:

It is my personal opinion that this is a gross

26 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

TRAINING & EDUCATION

C&M

underestimation, and the true figure is

is something that anyone can do - after all,

but also in the softer benefits, reduced sick

probably more like 4 million. This does not

doesn’t everyone clean at home? Assumption

leave, reduced churn. One business I worked

include occupations where up to 33% of the

is always dangerous and can, in the cleaning

in was incredibly proud to have achieved an

total job is made up of cleaning duties, for

sphere, even be deadly. Even in these

annual churn of only 9% or lower for three

example cruise ship housekeeping staff. Also,

supposedly enlightened times, people in

consecutive years.

in logistics for example, some companies

the UK still die every year from mixing toilet

only deliver janitorial supplies. The situation

cleaners and breathing in the resulting noxious

to the training provided, however staff feedback

would be greatly helped if the industry had

gases. All businesses have a duty of care to

on feeling valued, having a clear pathway for

its own Standard Industry Code (SIC). My next

all of their staff to ensure that they go home

progression and promoting BICSc training to

point is that anyone can set up a cleaning

safely from their shift, and this means that they

their friends and relations as a valued employer

business. Perhaps there should be a two-tier

need to provide them with the right training

were very real outcomes of the company ethos.

system - companies who are not registered

on the equipment and materials that cleaning

with a recognised trade organisation or

operatives are required to use. This can seem

leave is justly answered by what if you don’t

whose cleaning operatives have no formal

to be as basic as how to dilute the chosen

train them and they stay!

qualifications, then those who are registered

product range safely, and to safety check

with recognised trade organisations or

the vacuum cleaner - yet both these simple

Final thoughts

institutes whose staff are licensed and follow

training sessions could potentially save a life.

For the first time that we know of ‘cleaners’ (or

a CPD path. After all, anybody can clean.

More involved training on correct methods and

should it be cleaning operatives?) along with

However, only those that have had accredited

techniques of cleaning can seem to be costly,

all other public service staff have been thanked

training can clean properly (professionally)!”

but if you weigh up the savings of having an

in Parliament. This is progress! Let’s hope that

All of this will come at a cost, but who can

effective and efficient workforce, these initial

those working in our industry will now start to

costs pale into insignificance.”

be recognised and be seen as an essential part

measure the cost of not implementing this?

These benefits are harder to attribute directly

The adage of what if I train them and they

of the workforce.

Denise Hanson, head of technical services

Having worked in the cleaning industry for

at BICSc, said: “For most roles, the induction

a number of years I have seen the benefits of

and training when a job commences is key

training and accrediting cleaning operatives,

standards, and now more than ever they are

to the operative’s success in that position.

not only in increased productivity, enhanced

imperative - this is the time for action!

Yet, it seems to be assumed that cleaning

equipment lifespan and reduced chemical costs

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

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C&M

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Agility is key during testing times As the world continues to battle with COVID-19, cleaning teams are under increasing pressure to ensure their practices can stand up to the Coronavirus. Jan-Hein Hemke, managing director of Facilicom UK, explains why training is vital to handling critical circumstances facing the cleaning and hygiene industry.

WE are living in unprecedented times. As

operate during a crisis, we must keep training

hospitality, and can be particularly useful in

confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to

up to date and accessible to all. Many of

situations where clients are under immense

rise, the world as we know it is changing at

our training courses are available online so

pressure. For example, it could be helping

a rapid rate - from many businesses closing

operatives can access remotely at a time that

overrun nurses on a ward by filling up water

their doors and operating from home, and

suits them.

jugs and chatting to patients from a safe distance. It is understanding that the smallest

schools only accommodating the children

It’s also essential at times like this that

of key workers, to families self-isolating to

colleagues are able to adapt easily to meet

positive action can really support those around

protect themselves, and others, from the

clients’ needs. It might be that they need to

us. We believe this is a significant way that

virus. We live in challenging times where

step away from their usual role and deliver

we can add value to our clients, particularly

government and NHS advice is constantly

new services. Being agile is key. This quality

at times where they may need us to be more

being updated.

is something that we have instilled in every

flexible than ever in our roles.

As the country comes to terms with a

single one of our colleagues at Facilicom

Equipping our cleaning operatives with

lockdown situation, there are still many

through our Hostmanship scheme, which

the tools they need to deliver a first-class job,

workers out there on the front line doing their

is geared towards both the operational

as well as giving them the skills to adapt to

bit to fight against the virus. Of course, those

excellence and the human, social aspect

any situation or crisis, has never been more

identified by the government as key workers

of the job. It is all about equipping our

important. As they continue to keep our

are delivering essential services to keep our

colleagues with the skills to go above

businesses and public places as clean and safe

country safe, but I was surprised to learn that

and beyond for our clients, responding to

as possible, we owe it to them to invest in their

cleaning operatives and security guards were

changing needs and requirements.

development and futureproof their careers for

not included on that list.

For the first time ever, the cleaning sector is

Hostmanship encompasses areas such as customer care, quality, friendship, and

many years to come.

WWW.FACILICOM.CO.UK

finally getting the recognition it deserves from the public. Often dismissed by those outside of the industry as low skilled, cleaning operatives are now viewed by many as heroes, delivering services that are vital to the hygiene and health of public places, shops and businesses. They continue to work to safeguard others and there is a huge cry from the sector for the government to acknowledge this.

We are asking for more than ever from our workforce and I’ve been overwhelmed to see so many putting their own worries and concerns to one side to perform their duties for the nation.

It has been a learning curve to say the least, but thanks to the training we have put in place from day one of their contract, our cleaning operatives are well equipped to deal with such intense circumstances.

Ongoing training and development is key in our industry. Practices and products are continuously evolving and it’s vital that operatives are kept up to date with the latest guidance and advice. During times of change, it’s also important to ensure colleagues feel supported to deliver additional or enhanced duties. From being knowledgeable about infection control, to understanding how to 28 MAY 2020

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

TRAINING & EDUCATION

C&M

The benefits of eLearning Martin Doran, general manager at Astley Hire, reports.

FOR employees to perform well in their role it is

major benefits for your employees and company.

online and with live pictures, animated graphics and the personality of a presenter

important to provide opportunities for learning

Better employee retention is a major key

that equip them with the skills and knowledge

benefit. By providing employees with ongoing

they are a very effective virtual learning

they need. Many organisations now commonly

access to key resources you are giving them

experience. The quiz style questions keep

use eLearning to deliver some or all of their

the opportunity to better themselves and gain

employees interested and stimulated.

training. In order to upskill employees and

further qualifications, whilst also giving them

enable them to progress in their roles and career

the flexibility to train around their existing

employees will experience minimal disruption

development, training is very important but can

workload, shifts and flexible working hours.

to their working day. There is also the capability

be time consuming and expensive for employers.

eLearning is also scalable for any number

to download and print off your own training

Employers will save time and money, whilst

of employees and provides them, and their

certificate once each course is completed. This

of the cost of classroom training. Expenses

managers, with timely and consistent feedback.

also saves time on waiting for postal services.

involved in delivering traditional classroom-

eLearning can be done at a time and a place

eLearning training courses are a fraction

So with many benefits, we hope you will

based learning such as trainers, course

that suits the learner - a major benefit for remote

take a look at our wide range of eLearning

materials, travel, and accommodation do not

workers or staff with irregular hours - who can

courses available through our website. Many

apply to eLearning. For large organisations,

have access to the same learning opportunities

of our courses can be completed in as little as

this helps dramatically reduce the overall cost

as other staff. Organisations don’t have to release

an hour and there is the flexibility to complete

of learning and development and significantly

groups of staff to do training all at the same time,

them in bite-sized chunks if you prefer. You can

reduces the company’s environmental impact.

making it easier to manage resourcing.

even sign up for a free trial to have a peek at

Here at Astley Hire we provide eLearning

the courses and how they are delivered, just to

money compared to instructor-led training, it

courses across three areas - health and safety,

make sure they are going to work well for you

does so much more. If you’re making a business

business skills and health & social care. In

and your employees.

case for eLearning development, there are many

total we offer more than 100 training courses

WWW.ASTLEYHIRETRAINING.CO.UK

Not only does eLearning save your company

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 29

C&M

TIME & ATTENDANCE MONITORING

Leveraging software to manage a shifting workforce in times of pandemic Rick Stoor, managing director of Templa, explains how coping with the intense staffing challenges of COVID-19 is so much easier when workforce management forms part of an integrated contract management system.

IN a labour-intensive industry such as

option but to self-isolate. In addition, the

may also have been affected, often becoming

commercial cleaning, where hundreds of staff

closure of certain buildings, a reduction

home-based in the process.

work remotely, it is a perpetual challenge

in service at others, and an intensified

ensuring that operatives are in the right place

requirement for deep cleans elsewhere has

Separate systems don’t make sense

at the right time, with all absences covered,

piled huge pressure on contractors trying to

The contractors who have found it most

rostered shifts completed in full across all

fill gaps in schedules and re-roster staff from

difficult to deal with this situation are those

contracts and everyone paid correctly.

one location to another, often on adjusted pay

whose operational processes for rostering staff,

rates and at very short notice.

amending timesheets, monitoring attendance

That challenge has been magnified with COVID-19. Cleaners have heroically continued

All this brings with it a hefty slice of

through T&A, and paying their staff are all

with their work but, despite risk assessments

administration in terms of adjusting rosters,

managed with separate systems, whether

and enhanced health and safety protocols,

timesheets and potentially consolidating

those systems are spreadsheets or individual

they have remained vulnerable to infection

payslips for individuals across multiple sites.

software packages. In such cases, the simple

and inevitably a fair number have had no

In some cases, the admin and payroll resource

act of re-rostering a member of staff from one

The Institute would like to express its thanks and gratitude to everyone who is part of this heroic effort to get us through the fight against COVID-19.

What the cleaning industry is doing now will never be forgotten!

You are all amazing!

Stay Well | Stay Safe

#BeBICSc 30 MAY 2020

bics.org.uk WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

TIME & ATTENDANCE MONITORING

C&M

complete with start, finish times and pay rate) need only be entered in one place, following which it is possible to ‘drag and drop’ staff to cover gaps with automatic updating of timesheets, T&A system and pay. In such a system, the data in question resides in a central database, which lies at the heart of an integrated network of modules and apps. Users, whether field managers, admin, payroll or finance staff, access the data either via direct connection to a server or via browser-based webapplications, making it easy to manage changes ‘on-the-move’.

On a purely practical level it simplifies the process for users and on a financial level requires only one piece of software to be licensed and one support contract to be arranged. Not only does the system manage day-to-day deployment of staff and their pay, it also takes care of onboarding, training, RTW, communications, and just about every other aspect of site to another may involve keying data into

Integration is the answer

four separate systems, with the potential for

By contrast, contractors whose workforce

administrative mistakes and knock-on effects on

management processes are all part of one

weary from the battle, the time may be right

both clients and staff pay. To do this on a daily

system, such as that shown in the diagram,

to consider investment in technology to

basis during a crisis such as COVID-19, whilst

benefit from much greater speed and

safeguard against, heaven forbid, the next

also trying to facilitate home-based access to

efficiency. In this case, data (eg, the length

shock to our system.

systems, has presented major challenges.

of a shift worked by an operative at a site,

WWW.TEMPLACMS.CO.UK

workforce management.

As contractors come out of COVID-19,

Time and attendance: make it real-time AS any manager of a remote workforce knows,

delivery and productivity. Performance data such

we describe how we track our cleaners through the

monitoring time and attendance is an essential

as call volumes and over-worked hours are visually

app, it gives further support that the service they are

part of delivering a top quality service to

presented within the IQ:timecard web portal, while

paying for has been completed as required.”

clients. That seed of doubt in a client’s mind

a live status map displays the locations of remote

as to whether their hired contractor turned up

staff, helping to protect lone workers.

IQ:timecard won ‘Innovation of the Year’ at the North Worcestershire Business Awards last November, with Unique IQ also named

on time and really did what they said they did

Remote teams can also be messaged in bulk

can be a contract killer. Time and attendance

via email or text message - particularly useful for

software can, therefore, be the secret weapon in

sending out last minute changes to schedules,

providing evidence of service delivery. But what

or even emergency messaging such as new

IQ, said: “We feel that the real-time insight that

if you could do this in real-time?

infection control procedures.

IQ:timecard provides truly sets us apart from

More than just a time and attendance system,

Somerset-based CCS Cleaning is long-standing

Birmingham’s ‘Business of the Year’.

David Lynes, managing director of Unique

some of the other workforce management

IQ:timecard from Unique IQ gives cleaning

user of IQ:timecard and prides itself on rarely

systems out there. That and our ethos. We

companies a real-time overview of their remote

losing accounts due to the quality of service. Juliet

work in genuine partnership with our clients

workforce. By utilising a mobile app or landline

Booker of CCS Cleaning said of IQ:timecard: “The

to try to tackle the pain points that are typical

freephone number to clock in and out, cleaning

system enables us to know exactly where our

in managing remote workforces. Some of the

businesses can accurately time and location

cleaners are, when they have clocked in and out,

most innovative features of our software have

stamp when their staff are on-site, with instant

and helps to track their wages as well as ensuring

come from a conversation with the people who

notifications alerting of a late or missed shift. An

lone worker safety. We tell prospect clients a lot

are using it day in, day out.”

in-built dashboard provides insight into service

about IQ:timecard; they are very impressed when

WWW.UNIQUEIQ.CO.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MAY 2020 31

C&M

PEOPLE

CHSA appoints new secretary THE Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

respected accreditation schemes, delivering for

Lorraine Francis is very experienced in running

(CHSA) has said a heartfelt thank you to Linda

schemes members and buyers of cleaning and

membership organisations. She was executive

Belcher who has stepped down as the association’s

hygiene products. She has been responsible for

director of the professional services membership

secretary after many years of service Lor-raine

delivering our hugely successful annual gala ball

organisation Birmingham Forward and is now

Francis, who has a strong track record in managing

and charity golf day, which together have raised

running the membership organisation, Coventry &

membership organsiations, has been appointed to

tens of thousands of pounds for charity during

Warwickshire First. She is also a council member of

succeed her in running the secretariat.

her period in post. She has also been active in

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of

running our undergraduate bursa-ry schemes and

the Birmingham Civic Society and was a member of

speak on behalf of everyone on our governing

participating in the assessment process. We are

Common Purpose Birmingham’s Advisory Group.

council and the members we represent when I say

sad to see her go but wish her the very best for

we are very grateful for the incredibly valu-able

the future.”

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, said: “I

contribution Linda has made to the CHSA. Linda

Linda Belcher is being succeeded in the post

has been integral to operation of our val-ued and

by Lorraine Francis. New to the cleaning industry,

Lorcan Mekitarian said: “Lorraine is bringing a great deal of expertise to our association. We look forward to welcoming her on board.”

WWW.CHSA.CO.UK

Advisory role at the DCA CHRIS Wootton, managing director of Poppies

Part of the British Cleaning Council (BCC),

alongside the DCA to develop a series of best practice guides for the sector.

cleaning franchise, has taken up a specialist

the DCA was established in March 2014 to take

advi-sory role with the Domestic Cleaning

re-sponsibility for a previously unrepresented

Alliance (DCA) in order to help raise the image

sector of the UK cleaning industry. The

delighted to have the support of Chris and the

and stand-ards of the sector.

association gained immediate popularity

Poppies brand. The addition of such a well-

amongst cleaning companies nationwide

established, national franchise network to our

had no regulation and no central voice,” said

and now supports over 175 members. Today,

knowledge base is a great advantage. As an

Wootton. “I’ve been the owner of a cleaning

the organisation remains the only body

organisation, we recognise the challenges faced

business for almost 25 years and the owner of

representing the UK domestic cleaning sector

by our members and strive to provide advice

the Poppies cleaning franchise since 2018. I

to sit on the board of the BCC and hold a seat

and resources to support legitimate cleaning

can vouch for the fact that, individually, there

at bi-annual meetings of the Health & Safety

compa-ny owners in their quest to run their

are a lot of business owners out there trying to

Executive Cleaning Industry Liaison Forum.

service to the best of their ability. By developing

“Until the formation of the DCA, the industry

do the right thing. But it’s only by joining forces

The specialist advisory panel is made up of

DCA’s director, Stephen Munton, said: “We’re

a strict code of conduct and best practice

and uniting under one banner that we can

solo cleaners, independent small businesses

guidelines, we enable our members to uphold

truly create a change. When the opportunity

and now, with the addition of Poppies, a

standards and ethics which set them apart and

arose to join the DCA in this capacity, I jumped

national franchise network. Chris Wootton and

build trust and credibility with the public.”

at the chance.”

his fellow industry representatives are working

WWW.DOMESTICCLEANINGALLIANCE.CO.UK

Continued from Page 23. balance between individual liberties and the public good: • Quarantine is used when persons are exposed to a disease that is highly dangerous and contagious.

• Exposed well persons are separated from those who are ill.

• Care and essential services are provided to all

a timely fashion.

• Quarantine is used in conjunction with other interventions, including: • Disease surveillance and monitoring for symptoms in persons quarantined.

• Rapid diagnosis and timely referral to care for those who become ill.

• The provision of preventive interventions, including vaccination or prophylactic antibiotics.

people under quarantine.

• The ‘due process’ rights of those restricted to quarantine are protected.

•Q uarantine lasts no longer than is necessary

approximately 3700 passengers and crew. Among 3711 Diamond Princess passengers and crew, 712 (19.2%) had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2.

Of these, 331 (46.5%) were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Among 381 symptomatic patients, 37 (9.7%) required intensive care, and nine (1.3%) died. Infections also occurred among three Japanese responders, including one nurse, one quarantine officer and one administrative officer.

As of 13 March 2020, among 428 US passengers

Diamond Princess

and crew, 107 (25.0%) had positive test results

The CDC released a report in March 2020 on the

for COVID-19, with 11 US passengers remaining

events of the Diamond Princess. This follows key

hospitalised in Japan (median age: 75 years),

to ensure that quarantined persons do not

dates and activities which occurred during the

including seven in serious condition (median age:

become ill. Its maximum duration would be

discovery of COVID-19 aboard the cruise ship

76 years).

one incubation period from the last known

and the measures taken to test and quarantine

exposure. However, it could be shortened

those aboard.

if an effective vaccination or prophylactic treatment is available and can be delivered in

32 MAY 2020

On 20 January 2020, the Diamond Princess cruise ship departed Yokohama, Japan, carrying

During these troubled times, my thoughts and best wishes go out to all of you and your families.

Stay Safe.

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

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C&M

PRODUCT NEWS

HAS surface and hand hygiene ever been as important as it is today? A serious threat to human health means that high-quality spray systems and hand soap, sanitiser and towel

SEKO offers infection control solution

dispensers are an invaluable tool in the global fight against infection. SEKO’s range of liquid and foam spray stations are complemented by a selection of free-standing and modular wall-mounted handwashing solutions, essential systems for protecting the public and preventing the spread of infection in buildings such as hospitals, factories and supermarkets.

By delivering automatic and continuous dilution of the desired quantity of chemical, SEKO spray stations enable equipment, walls and floors to be efficiently cleaned, rinsed and disinfected. The soaps and sanitisers range includes SEKO’s automatic touchless dispensers which reduce the risk of virus

transfer and deliver the optimal quantity of soap or sanitiser every time, promoting even safer hand hygiene while preventing wasteful excess delivery.

SEKO’s innovative paper dispensers are available in manual and automatic touchless versions and can be adapted for use with every interleaved paper measure available on the market today.

WWW.SEKODISPENSERS.COM DUE to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, Prochem Europe has seen increased demand for its D500 Microsan biocidal cleaner. Originally developed in the 1980s for the HBV, HCV and HIV blood-borne viruses, the Microsan formulation is also effective against Coronavirus and is ap-proved to EN14476 for use on hard washable surfaces.

Microsan is a clear, low foaming liquid with pleasant apple blossom fragrance and is available in 5 litre concentrate and 1 litre ready-to-use spray. The concentrate is diluted with water at 6% and applied to surfaces with a recommended sprayer such as Prochem’s

Increased demand for Microsan

approved Birchmeier family of Swiss manufactured spray units.

WWW.PROCHEM.CO.UK

GREYLAND has launched its Maximum Eco range, consisting of ‘genuinely green’ cleaning products following two years of research and development. According to Greyland, it is the first comprehensive product line of its kind that includes not

Maximum Eco range launched

only a UK-sourced probiotic enzymes range, but also a water-based range as well.

Probiotics work by using eco-friendly bacteria to colonise surfaces. The Maximum Eco Water-based range offers products that are non-toxic, non-flammable, non-carcinogenic, and non-harmful to marine and aquatic life.

James Brough, Greyland’s sales director, said: “I was dissatisfied with the multitude of so-called ‘green’ designated products that were often awarded the accolade merely by not having chemicals specifically banned included in the contents. Many suppliers just used green dots in their literature and labelling to convey a sense that the buyer was doing ‘the right thing’. We felt that this was just

not good enough. So with Maximum Eco we have split the range into probiotic and water-based products. But we haven’t stopped there. While some manufacturers are importing recycled bottles from all over the world, where does that leave their carbon foot-print? We at Greyland, on the other hand, have not only increased the recycled plastics content of our bottles from 24% to 31% just recently, but as from 1 April, we are increasing the recycled content even further, to 40% UK sourced post-consumer use plastics. Furthermore, while some ‘bio’ companies are importing enzymes, ours are sourced in the UK.” WWW.GREYLAND.CO.UK

34 MAY 2020

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PRODUCT NEWS

C&M

CUSTOMERS who need immediate

Tennant launches ‘Instant Assist’

technical support for their fleet of Tennant and Vaclensa cleaning

EDITOR

machines can now use the company’s latest innovative service support tool, Instant Assist. Instant Assist is a live video chat system which allows customers to visually speak to one of Tennant’s technical experts, allowing both the customer and engineer to assess the machine and find a resolution in real-time.

With the current issues surrounding lockdown and on-site visits from external parties, Instant Assist means any problems faced by a Tennant, Vaclensa or Decarbonizer customer can still be resolved without the need for a technician or engineer to physically visit the customer site.

WWW.TENNANTCO.COM INDUSTRIAL and environmental services provider, Enva, has increased manufacturing capability for its ECOSAN disinfectant and sanitiser product to play its part in combatting the Coronavirus outbreak. Diversion of resources from other parts of the Enva group, together with modifications to the company’s ECOSAN production line, will enable the company to increase production capacity by 300%.

ECOSAN, contains Vantocil

Enva increases disinfectant manufacturing capability

- a fast-acting bactericide and

Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316 SALES DIRECTOR

Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086 PRODUCTION MANAGER

Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619 MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tony Crinion CEO

Steve Diprose CO-CHAIRMAN

virucide and is a 20% aqueous solution of

Paul Michael

poly (hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride, also known as

PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES

PHMB. In addition to providing ECOSAN directly in 25 litre drums and IBCs, Enva also supports commercial, industrial and local authority customers with a range of on-site disinfection services.

Elizabeth Barford subscriptions@quartzltd.com 01737 855028

WWW.ENVA.COM

KIMBERLY-Clark Professional has

WypAll Reach centrefeed system now available

launched the WypAll Reach centrefeed system providing a versatile light-wiping solution for all types of cleaning tasks, including mopping up a spillage, cleaning windows and wiping handrails. The system has been designed to be portable and

convenient, and to reduce consumption and waste by over 20% compared to traditional blue rolls, improving both operational and cost efficiencies for FMs. “Maintaining excellent presentation of premises while improving hygiene, sustainability and efficiency should be at the top of the agenda for every facilities manager,” said Kimberly-Clark

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Professional EMEA senior brand manager, WypAll, Ed Borrini. “We listened to and analysed feedback from our customers and brought them along on the journey to help to develop a system that meets their needs of improving hygiene, while also reducing waste and enhancing their image. WypAll is the UK’s No 1 brand in professional wiping paper, and all of the products in the range are designed for a specific task, giving users the confidence that the product will perform every time. The WypAll Reach centrefeed system is convenient, portable and always at hand. It has been designed to look good and perform brilliantly, improving hygiene, and reducing paper usage and waste – so therefore saving money, while also contributing a positive environmental sustainability gain.”

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MAY 2020 35

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