ICCA HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF CONTRACT


CLEANERS Ireland’s economy cannot reopen and remain open without the contract cleaning industry, says the Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA).


Following the publication of the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely’ protocol and as many sectors move to reopen the economy, the ICCA is calling on all workplaces to plan carefully for essential sanitisation and disinfection requirements, and to ensure they engage with trusted, professional contract cleaning service providers.


ICCA board member Cormac Sheils, Managing Director of Bidvest Noonan, said: “The cleaning industry is undergoing significant change as a result of COVID-19. Previously, ‘visible’ cleaning in workplaces and public spaces was the priority. From now on, however, the focus will move to enhanced hygiene services, with an increased emphasis on sanitisation and disinfection.


“Visible cleaning and sanitisation removes and lowers germs; and disinfection kills germs. To combat COVID-19, we need a combination of all three.


“In the ‘Return to Work Safely’ protocol, the Government has stipulated a new regime of twice-daily cleaning of touchpoints, bathrooms and communal areas to protect staff and customers. The protocol places an onus on employers to ensure workplaces are thoroughly cleaned throughout each working day. This is not a temporary measure, specific to the re-opening phase. Rather, for as long as we are living with this virus, this enhanced hygiene regime will be the daily reality in every workplace.


“Proper disinfection of workplaces and public spaces can only be conducted by qualified, trained cleaning professionals. We are calling on employers and public organisations to be cognisant of this, and to refer to our industry association for advice and support in engaging professional, trusted cleaning contractors.


“ICCA members have invested in the specialist equipment and training required to ensure all cleaning services are delivered in compliance with government guidelines. By engaging with an ICCA member, workplaces can ensure they are getting the best quality cleaning service.”


The ICCA’s membership represents approximately 75% of contract cleaning companies. Overall, the contract cleaning


www.tomorrowscleaning.com


industry contributes approximately €900m to the Irish economy yearly, employing around 30,000 people.


Mr Sheils added that the industry has been impacted by the pandemic in many different ways, but ICCA members have responded quickly to the changed circumstances and are ‘ready and willing’ to play their part in the reopening of Ireland’s economy.


He continued: “In common with many other industries,


some of our members have experienced sharp downturns in demand for their services in recent months. The closure of retail, education, leisure and corporate buildings has greatly decreased the scope of contract cleaning work, leading in turn to staff lay-offs for some cleaning companies, which will hopefully be temporary.


“On the other hand, however, many of our members have seen increased demand for specialist cleaning and emergency response services, with a significantly increased demand in pharma and healthcare settings. This has led to some members redeploying staff into higher-skilled and higher-risk working environments. Obviously, this comes with additional requirements to ensure staff are properly equipped with PPE, appropriate training and clear guidance on working protocols.


“Throughout this pandemic, cleaning staff have been on the frontlines – in hospitals, factories and care facilities – ensuring essential workplaces are clean and germ-free. Cleaners are providing an essential service during this difficult time. We have stepped up to the mark without hesitation, and we are ready and willing to continue to play our part in the reopening of Ireland’s economy. To ensure we can, it's vital we receive support on PPE issues and recognition of the additional costs incurred due to the pandemic.”


www.irishcontractcleaningassociation.ie NEWS | 7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24