CM Oct'09 64+4pp 19/10/09 13:08 Page 54
Window Cleaning
Tackling business threats
Douglas Atkinson of the SLWCN talks about the crackdown on unlicensed window
cleaners siphoning off profits from legitimate workers in tough times
T
he credit crunch is affecting number of Scottish police forces, in conjunction with Trading
window cleaners’ businesses Standards and DWP, carried out spot-checks on workmen in their
throughout the UK. Not, as you area, window cleaners included. As a result, a number of window
would expect, because of cleaners were caught trading without a licence and were
unemployment, rising costs or lack of subsequently reported to the Procurator Fiscal’s office. Those found to
work but instead due to the notable be working while claiming benefits were also prosecuted.
increase in the number of individuals Last month, at a joint meeting with Central Scotland Police and
who are choosing window cleaning as a Council officials, the SLWCN raised the concern of national companies
way to ease their financial difficulties, who employ unlicensed employees. The SLWCN noted that it had
while continuing to claim benefits. As been known for action to be taken against employees but not the
these people are not dependent on window cleaning as their sole companies themselves. Central Scotland Police agreed in future to
income and have no business overheads, they are able to charge very charge directors of companies with aiding and abetting an individual
little for their services. in breaking the law if they are found to have an unlicensed employee.
This is resulting in prices being driven down in both the domestic There is still a long way to go to tackle the problem of benefit
and commercial market. A window cleaner in London recently cheats and unlicensed operatives threatening our businesses.
informed me that he was finding it almost impossible to keep his However, by continuing to work closely with the various authorities,
business afloat and earn an acceptable income due to his prices the SLWCN believes that the issues faced can be dealt with
being consistently undercut by those working illegally in his area. successfully, allowing us to ride out this recession and improve and
In many parts of Scotland we have heard similar stories of work strengthen our industry for the future.
being lost to unlicensed operatives and prices remaining stagnant For further information about Scottish Licensed Window Cleaners
despite rising costs. However, positive changes are beginning to be Network visit www.slwcn.org or
42608 or cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
made to tackle this problem. Over the course of the summer a contact Douglas Atkinson.
Tel: 01259 208166
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